How recent apps work on Android 5.0 Lollipop

The latest version of the “recent apps” feature in Android looks and behaves differently from previous ones.

In Android 5.0 Lollipop, you’ll find that the recent apps button has been redesigned. Instead of two overlapping rectangles the button is now a single square. This falls in line with the other simplistic navigation buttons, circle (Home) and triangle (back).

The look of the list of recent apps has also changed. In Android 4.4, the app name was left-aligned and connected to the app icon with a line. The app icon then overlapped a small screenshot of what you were last doing in that app. For Android 5.0 users, recently used apps will display in a scrolling stacked arrangement (as seen at the top of this post).

Apps can be removed from the list the same way as before — individually with a swipe or a tap of the X button in the top right corner — but there is no “clear all” button at this time.

The other new feature involving recent apps is that the list can persist even after you reboot your device.

What do you think of the changes? Do you find the option to save your recent app list for after rebooting useful? Share your thoughts in the comments.

For more Lollipop tips, please see CNET How To’s guide to Android 5.0 Lollipop.