Update: September 10th, 2018

A moderator from the official HMD forum said the "Hide notch" option was removed due to Google's Android One requirements. But, it isn't true because if that was to be true then Android One smartphones would have started preventing users from hiding the notch.

Google has reportedly confirmed this to XDA Developers that Android One doesn't have such requirement that could force smartphone makers to remove the hiding notch feature.

A Google spokesperson confirmed to us that the Android One program does NOT prevent device makers from adding a notch hiding feature. Furthermore, there is NO Google requirement that prevents device makers from adding such a feature.

It's yet to be known why HMD removed the hiding notch feature from the Nokia 6.1 Plus. What we can expect is the fact that the option to hide the notch may come back to the Nokia 6.1 Plus.

Original Post (September 7, 2018)

The Nokia 6.1 Plus is one of the recent mid-range smartphone launches from HMD Global. It packs decent specifications and features for the asking price including the current trend of notched displays. While HMD did release the phone with a software-based option to hide the notch, the same was removed with the August security patch update. This left many users wondering and with one question, "Why did you do this, Nokia?" And now, we finally have an official answer.

As per a response from a Nokia forums moderator, the "Hide Notch" feature on the Nokia 6.1 Plus was removed as per Google requirements. The moderator did not go into any details beyond saying that which leaves us with just the point that it is Google which did not like the functionality on the device.

For those who are wondering why did Nokia follow what Google said, it is simply because the Nokia 6.1 Plus is an Android One device. Since it has been released under the Android One program, it will have to comply with all the requirements and standards set by Google. It means while the users have no other option but to live with the notch, for the time being, HMD Global's Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas has assured that they will be bringing the "Hide Notch" feature back. Although, he did not mention any specific timeline.

Just to close the "notch gate", we will enable setting to black out notch on the Nokia 6.1 Plus.

Have a great & relaxing weekend everyone! 🏖️ #nokiamobile

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) September 7, 2018

• The Nokia 6.1 Plus isn't still available online. To be notified when it becomse available click here.
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