Android 16 to introduce customizable “Modes” and enhanced “Rich Ongoing Notifications”

With Android 15 now accessible on eligible Pixel devices and many other brands announcing rollout timelines, Google is already setting its sights on Android 16, the next major update to its mobile OS. Although the full scope of new features remains under wraps, early insights suggest that Android 16 may introduce customizable “Modes,” echoing the classic “Profiles” that were popular on older mobile phones. Additionally, a new notification feature similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island, called “Rich Ongoing Notifications,” may also be in the works. Let’s break down what these updates mean for Android users.

New “Modes” Revive the Old “Profiles” Feature

On older mobile phones, “Profiles” allowed users to quickly set various combinations of ringtones, vibration levels, and volume to match different scenarios—like “Meeting” or “Outdoor”—which could then be saved and accessed quickly. With the arrival of smartphones, these flexible profiles were replaced by simpler settings like “Do Not Disturb” or “Silent Mode.” Android 16, however, could bring back the essence of Profiles with “Modes,” adding an array of customizability not seen since those early days.

According to insights from recent Android 15 beta releases, “Modes” appears set to launch in Android 16 as a fully customizable feature, allowing users to create their own settings for various scenarios. In each Mode, users will be able to adjust and save settings such as the Mode name, notification preferences, display options, and even the icon to easily distinguish each Mode. The real magic comes with a new “trigger” setting, which seems designed to activate specific Modes automatically when certain conditions are met—though Google has yet to confirm precisely what these conditions will include. This flexibility could be a game-changer, allowing Android to adapt intuitively to different user environments.

How “Modes” Work and What They Offer

When a Mode is activated, its icon will appear in the status bar, letting users know it’s active. Users can easily access all Modes either through the main Settings menu or via the Quick Settings panel, making it quick and simple to switch between setups. Google has also included over 40 unique icons for Mode personalization, allowing each user to customize their experience. The customization options hint that Google aims to make Modes versatile enough to handle both simple tasks—like setting up a Mode for work versus personal time—and more complex setups based on location or time.

If implemented as anticipated, “Modes” could bring a level of automation and customization to Android devices that will appeal to users looking for a tailored smartphone experience.

“Rich Ongoing Notifications” to Enhance the Status Bar Experience

Android notifications have evolved significantly over the years, with a focus on ensuring they’re informative yet minimally distracting. Unlike iOS, where apps often remain running in the background, Android allows most apps to close, which means Google continuously optimizes notifications to improve user engagement and limit interruptions.

The latest development in this area is “Rich Ongoing Notifications,” a feature identified in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 update. This new API would allow apps to display more interactive notifications directly in the Status Bar, beyond the simple icons users see now. The concept is similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island on iOS, allowing notifications to appear as dynamic “chips” that can show text and have customizable backgrounds. Though not yet functional in the latest Android 15 beta, “Rich Ongoing Notifications” may bring more interactive elements to Android’s notification system.

Potential Applications of Rich Ongoing Notifications

Currently, notifications are mostly limited to alerting users of new messages or ongoing app activity with small icons. Rich Ongoing Notifications could allow these icons to expand into small chips with more details, like active calls or running music players. This interactive approach could make notifications more engaging and provide quick access to information without needing to open the app. The chips may also allow users to expand the notification for more details with a simple tap.

While the full functionality of Rich Ongoing Notifications is still under development, it’s clear that Google is exploring ways to make notifications more intuitive and informative for users. Given that the stable version of Android 15 has just rolled out, it’s likely that Android 16 will be the first to integrate this feature fully, providing a fresh take on notifications that feels more cohesive and accessible.

Looking Ahead to Android 16

Though it’s early to know all the changes Google is planning, “Modes” and “Rich Ongoing Notifications” hint at an Android 16 experience focused on deeper customization, automation, and user-friendly interfaces. With Modes, users can look forward to more personalization in how they interact with their phones in various situations. Meanwhile, Rich Ongoing Notifications could give Android’s notification system a fresh, dynamic look, allowing apps to communicate more information at a glance.

Both features showcase Google’s ongoing effort to enhance the Android experience in meaningful, user-centric ways. As Android 16 development progresses, we’ll likely see more of these innovative features refined, ultimately giving users a more flexible and engaging mobile experience.