Rich Ongoing Notifications
A new feature found in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release called “Rich Ongoing Notifications” would allow apps to display more than an icon in the status bar. Much like Apple’s Dynamic Island, this feature would allow users to view real-time updates from apps like Uber in a pill-shaped icon on their status bar.
Tech Giant Google may be taking inspiration from Apple’s Dynamic Island, but status bar chips have been a feature in Android since Android 12 when an API was added that allowed dialer apps to show the duration of calls in a status bar chip. Android 16 would be opening up status bar chips to all apps, likely inspired by Apple, but not a clone of Dynamic Island. Dynamic Island is primarily used for quick app switching and controls while Android’s Rich Ongoing Notifications would focus on real-time updates in a way that is less invasive.
Rich Ongoing Notifications are expected to appear as interactive chips in the status bar, with customizable text and background color. Users could interact with these chips for quick actions within the app. For example, users could control music playback or view the ETA of their Uber ride without switching between apps.
App developers will be able to control the duration and appearance of the notifications through the API. Some key features include the ability to add custom text and icons, customize the background color, and add interactive elements to notifications.
Users will also have control over how these notifications appear, including the ability to hide notifications, change the background color, customize icons, set the priority of certain notifications, and control when and how notifications are dismissed.
There are some key differences between Rich Ongoing Notifications and Dynamic Island. While both features provide interactive elements, Dynamic Island is primarily used for quick app switching and controls while Android’s Rich Ongoing Notifications are more focused on making ongoing tasks visible to the user without being too invasive.
This feature could revolutionize the way users interact with their apps, providing a more seamless and efficient experience. Some of the key benefits of Rich Ongoing Notifications include increased productivity, less interruption from notifications, and overall greater efficiency.
This feature is still in development and could change before Android 16’s expected release date.
The current release of Android, Android 15, has reached Platform Stability, so this feature is expected to be included in Android 16 because it is tied to a new API.