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Essential talks Android Q, notch settings, and more in latest Reddit AMA
June 23, 2025
Even with ableak lookingfuture, Essential is still working hard to ensure its customers are happy. In addition to it releasing theAndroid Pie updatewithin hours of Google making the firmware official, Essential still holds monthlyReddit AMAswere they can answer questions from fans. This month, three Essential representatives (Rebecca, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Marcus, a software program manager, and Sean, a quality engineer) gave us an inside look at the company’s plans.
How did Essential roll out Android Pie so quickly?
As mentioned, while almost every Android user on Earth is still waiting for Android Pie (andOreo), Essential made the firmware upgrade available right after Google rolled it out to Pixel devices. Because of this, a good number of fans wondered how the startup was able to pull this off.
Android Q confirmed for the Essential Phone
We aren’t even remotely close to Google discussing plans for the next version of Android, but Essential already has plans to bring it to the Essential Phone.
While the below quote is a bit vague,Marcus did confirmspecifically that the PH-1 would be getting Android Q.
Where is Essential’s headphone jack module?
Back in June, Essential announced its first module since launching its handset. Called theAudio Adapter HD, this module brings a headphone jack and a high-res DAC to the smartphone. Unfortunately, though, Essential never announced when the accessory would be made available —until today.
What happened to Essential’s notch settings?
When Android Pie made its way to the Essential Phone, the company had to remove its notch settings menu due to Google including various notch-related components in the updated operating system. The good news is that it’ll be making its way back to the device with the October security patch and will once again give customers more control over how certain apps interact with the phone’s notch.
Read next:Can you learn to love the notch?
Will the phone get Digital Wellbeing?
With Android Pie, Google has put a lot of focus on making sure people don’t spend too much of their day staring at a mobile screen. One way it’s providing more insights for users is throughDigital Wellbeing.As the program isstill in betaand currently only available for Pixel devices, Essential isn’t sure if they will ever gain access to it.
How about Android Pie’s multi-camera API?
The AMA then shifted to the camera. One person was interested in finding out if Essential planned to leverageAndroid Pie’s new multi-camera API. With it, users would gain access to multiple camera streams at once. But, it doesn’t look like Essential plans to support the API.
Can Essential add a panorama mode in the camera app?
Of course, if there are questions about the camera, then someone is guaranteed to ask about the addition ofnew camera modes.
TL;DR: There won’t be.
Trade-in program (?)
Lastly, there was mention in the Reddit AMA about a possible trade-in program for customers to give their old handsets back when they upgrade to a new device. The fact that Essential responded saying that it was something the company had discussed internally was odd for the fact that Essential already announced that it hadstopped developmenton a second-generation handset.
The chances are that if Essential did consider a trade-in program, it was before the company canceled its plan to continue building the Essential Phone 2.
What do you think about everything discussed in Essential’s Reddit AMA? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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