We're still pretty far out from the release of Android 11 R or even the start of the beta releases, but info on its possible new features are already starting to trickle out.
Android 11 R could keep your Bluetooth on when you're listening to music and switch your phone to Airplane Mode. Currently, flipping on Airplane Mode turns off all your phone's radios, like cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. That's handy for when your plane is taking off and you need to quickly turn off the phone's communications, but it can be annoying when doing so also stops the music you're listening to on your wireless headphones.
A new commit in the AOSP Gerrit has been found called "Context-aware Bluetooth airplane mode". Spotted by XDA-Developers, the description explains that Bluetooth will be left on during Airplane Mode in two situations:
"Do not automatically turn off Bluetooth when airplane mode is turned on and Bluetooth is in one of the following situations:
1. Bluetooth A2DP is connected.
2. Bluetooth Hearing Aid profile is connected."
Because Bluetooth A2DP is a profile that many wireless headphones use for media, this suggests that toggling Airplane Mode on won't stop your music. That could be a small but welcome addition to Android 11 R, especially as more and more phones are ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack.
