As 9to5Google notes, Android 13 DP1 and DP2 featured an on-device search bar. This allowed users to type their queries, with the phone conducting an internal search for apps and settings. A feature like this is convenient while searching for a specific app without scrolling through a crowded app drawer. If users wanted to search the internet for the query, they could do so using the “Search on Google” button. But this behavior no longer exists on Android 13 Beta 1. This new search bar features a Google app shortcut, a voice search button, and Google Lens. While this search bar will still let you search for your device’s apps, it will prioritize online Google Search results.
This is most likely a bug that could be fixed with the next Android 13 beta
We must point out that this is likely a bug, which is always expected from a beta release. It simply makes no sense to fix something that isn’t broken. While the appearance of the app drawer search bar in Android 13 may not appeal to everyone, its purpose is widely known. So it’s safe to assume that Google will remedy this with the next Android 13 beta release. Developer previews (DP) and betas are undoubtedly exciting, but they also contain their fair share of bugs and other issues. That’s basically why betas and dev previews exist, as Google can spot and fix the problems ahead of the wider rollout later in the year. Android 12 went up until Beta 5 before making its commercial debut last year. Keeping this in mind, we’re expecting a similar timeline for Android 13. While we’re still some distance away from the commercial launch of Android 13, interested users can try out the first beta by signing up for the Android Beta Program. Since beta releases are usually quite unstable, we recommend installing them on a secondary device. Android 13 Beta 1 is compatible with the Pixel 4 and newer. The Pixel 3 and the 3a, unfortunately, miss out. It’s also worth pointing out that this beta program does not include non-Pixel smartphones.
