Microsoft previews Android 12L update for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2

Earlier this week, Microsoft hosted a hardware launch event, during which it revealed the likes of the Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 9 5G, Surface Studio 2 Plus and the Surface Laptop 5. Additionally, the company showcased the Surface Duo 2 running Android 12L, the device's long-awaited and first OS update. Already shipping in the Galaxy Z Fold4, Android 12L contains numerous changes from Android 12 aimed at improving user experience on foldable displays.

According to Daniel Rubino, Microsoft has been developing Android 12L for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 since March 2022. However, the company is still not ready to confirm when the OS update will be ready for a stable public release. Incidentally, Rubino did not suggest that Microsoft plans to run an Android 12L public beta programme, as it does for Windows 11. Instead, Microsoft will only commit to delivering Android 12L for Surface Duo devices 'later this year'.

Perhaps surprisingly, Microsoft has elected against integrating Google's new taskbar functionality. As leaks suggested, Microsoft has attempted to customise Android 12L to reflect Windows 11's design language, supposedly in an attempt to reposition the Surface Duo series as an extension of its OS, rather than Android. Still, Microsoft has integrated Android 12's accent colour system, among other minor changes. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen when Microsoft will detail the rest of the changes that it hopes to bring to the Surface Duo series with Android 12L. With that being said, we should see the OS update for at least the Surface Duo 2 within the next ten weeks, assuming Microsoft keeps to its schedule.  

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