Android Pie brought a massive change to the recent apps switcher. Google completely reimagined how the user should interact with recent apps and the home screen. The vertical-scrolling Rolodex was replaced by a horizontal list of app windows. Google's own Pixel Launcher takes it even further by adding a search bar and app shortcuts to the recent apps screen. Unfortunately, those features aren't available to all launchers, but a new Magisk Module changes that.

One of the frustrating things about Android Pie is how the new recent apps features are not available to all launchers. Many people wrongly assume the features are exclusive to the Pixel Launcher, but other OEMs have integrated the features into their pre-installed launchers as well. It's possible for 3rd-party launchers to customize the recent apps screen too, but some work is required. QuickSwitch is a Magisk Module that brings these features to more launchers. It currently works with Lawnchair and will soon support Hyperion Launcher.

Lawnchair recently released a Magisk Module that made it possible to integrate the Android Pie recent apps. QuickSwitch is a similar idea, but it hopes to work with more launchers. The module allows the user to choose which launcher has access to quickstep (recent apps). QuickSwitch detects which installed launchers are capable of being the recents provider. Any launcher3-based launcher with Android Pie changes merged should be supported.

Requirements:

  • Android Pie.
  • Magisk 17+ or rootless provided you have TWRP and an unlocked bootloader with init.d support.
  • A launcher which can be used as a recents provider.

Installation:

  1. Flash the QuickSwitch module through Magisk or TWRP.
  2. Reboot.
  3. Open the QuickSwitch app.
  4. Select a launcher to be your recents provider.
  5. Reboot.

Read more about QuickSwitch in the Magisk forum