The two leading operating systems, Android and iOS, have been in competition for a long time. However, iOS always stands out with its quality and features. Even with a higher price range, many prefer iOS over Android due to its alluring features.
Amidst the launch of the Android 15 with its pixel devices, speculations regarding the features of the upcoming Android 16 are storming the internet. According to reports, Google is planning to feature Apple’s Dynamic Island-inspired notification in Android 16 after two long years since Apple launched the same.
The inspired feature ‘Rich ongoing notification’, allows apps to show live information at the top of the screen. The to-be-launched feature was found in the recent Android 15 QPR1 beta 3 release enabling apps to create customized chips, instead of icons. The system allows users to track the updates from the app, through the status bar notifications, eliminating the need to open the app to know the updates.
The chips once tapped, open a dialogue box displaying more information regarding the notification. The expected apps to include the feature are ride-sharing ETAs, transit updates, and music playback controls.
Apple launched the Dynamic Island feature in 2022 with the iPhone 14 Pro, however, the Android 12 beta version included a status bar call duration display feature which was released in 2021, indicating Google had a notification feature plan much before Apple.
According to reports from Android Authority, the ‘rich ongoing notification’ won’t be an exact replica of Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cutout will be placed in the empty space of the status bar in Android 16 while it is placed near the notch of the iPhone in Dynamic Island.
What to Expect in Android 16?
Android 16 will officially be released by 2025 and we can expect some innovative features.
Improved notification management system
Google is likely to bring a better notification management system, eliminating the issue of bombarding messages while opening an app after a long time. Instead of showing alerts, the system would show a summary of the notification once you tap.
Notification Cooldown
The notification cooldown mechanism was introduced with Android 15 developer preview 1, which lowers the volume of successive notifications, however, removed from the Android 15 beta version later due to some unknown issues. With Android 16, we can expect a more efficient Notification Cooldown system.
Customized Do Not Disturb Profiles
Android 16 is likely to introduce fully customized Do Not Disturb (DND) profiles allowing complete control over every app. A user can even enable a Priority Mode to pass through desired notifications while blocking others. This feature is similar to Apple’s Custom Focus mode in iPhones.
Redesigned Settings Menu
Apple 16 might come up with a new Settings layout. With Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3, a similar change was shown but removed from the beta versions. A new layout made an appearance in the Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2, showing the potential for a full-fledged format in the upcoming Android 16 version.
Lock screen Widgets
A lock screen widget allows quick access to hotspots, Quick share, and other relevant features. At present these features are only available on Android tablets. However, with Android 16 we can expect a lock screen widget.
Remember none of these features are confirmed by Google, these are generated from speculations and reports from industry experts.
