Earlier this year, we reported that Android 15 could have a new, collapsible volume panel with even more controls. While the design of the panel remained the same in future beta launches of the operating system, two controls disappeared: active noise cancellation (ANC) and spatial audio. It wasn’t clear at the time why Google removed these controls. Even today, these controls are missing when using Android 15 QPR1 beta 1.
The missing controls let you adjust ANC and spatial audio right from the volume panel when using earbuds like the Pixel Buds Pro. Now it seems Google may add them back with the final, stable version of Android 15.
Reporters noticed an issue filed on Google’s website about the missing controls. A Google employee responded that their absence in beta versions is “intended” and the company “will have an update in the final release.” This strongly hints the handy controls are coming back once Android 15 launches for everyone.
While the controls were briefly available in an earlier beta, only Google’s earbuds seemed to support them. The volume panel would show buttons to open a window and fine-tune ANC or spatial audio. This avoids opening separate earbud apps to adjust settings.
Non-Google earbuds still just see the “Live Caption” button in the volume panel for now. We don’t know when Android 15 will be out of beta, but it seems Pixel 9 users may get these useful controls back with the full operating system launch. Stay tuned for the final version of Android 15 to arrive!
