Android 16 may include a new feature called “Rich Ongoing Notifications,” which allows developers to maintain persistent notifications in the Android status bar. This potential addition was identified in the Android 15 beta code by Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority, who is known for discovering upcoming features through code examination.
Currently, the code facilitates the inclusion of a pill-shaped icon along with custom text and background color in the Android status bar. Mishaal Rahman has demonstrated the use of such notifications through examples, such as notifications for estimated arrival times for services like Uber. According to Rahman, Android has had a similar feature since Android 12, which displays the duration of ongoing phone calls.
The functionality appears to be comparable to iOS’s Live Activities feature, which provides updates such as timers, sports scores, and delivery ETAs on users’ lock screens and at the top of notifications. On iPhone 14 Pro and later models, these activities are also visible as widgets in the Dynamic Island cutout, accessible while performing other tasks on the device.
The introduction of such a feature on Android would provide users with similar conveniences, such as reminders for parking meters paid through city parking apps or delivery time checks, enhancing the user experience on the platform.
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