Android 6.1 rumored to feature split-screen, improved app permissions system; To roll out in June 2016?

By Staff Writer

Dec 18 2015, 07:35 AM EST

Google is said to release Android 6.1 Marshmallow with split-screen feature and improved app permissions system. Rumors suggest that the next update could roll out in June 2016.

Android 6.1 Marshmallow might already be in the works. 9to5Google reported that some reliable sources revealed that the next Android Marshmallow update could have split-screen feature and better app permissions system. Furthermore, it is believed that Android 6.1 will not be a major update and will bear the same name as Android 6.0.

According to the report, Google is working to add the split-screen feature to the Android firmware. Split-screen is one of the features users want most to be included in Android. Manufacturers like Samsung and LG have already added this feature on their own Android skins. Split-screen support could also be added to Android tablets.

Google could also enhance the app permissions system on Android 6.1. Android Geeks reported that the existing app permissions system has lots of room for improvement. Bug fixes could also be packaged in the next update.

It is speculated that Android 6.1 will not come with other new features aside from split-screen and improved app permissions system. The next Android update is expected to roll out at the Google I/O Conference in June 2016. However, Google does not follow a regular schedule of update rollouts so it is advised to take these rumors with a grain of salt.

Meanwhile, Venture Capital Post earlier reported that Google could be working on the next successor to Android Marshmallow. Dubbed as Android N, the Marshmallow successor is also rumored to have split-screen support as well as multiwindow feature.

Google's Director for Consumer Hardware Andrew Bowers said, "We're working on lots of things right now for N that, of course, we wish we had, you know, yesterday. But we'd spoil the surprise of N if we shared all of them. Split screen is in the works!"

The meaning of the 'N' in Android N is yet to be revealed. The Marshmallow successor is said to include minor changes and bug fixes.