Google is developing a new Android API called Rich Ongoing Notifications, which aims to enhance how apps display real-time information in the status bar. This feature is reminiscent of Apple’s Live Activities showcased in the Dynamic Island on iPhones.
The API was uncovered by journalist Mishaal Rahman in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release, suggesting it will allow apps to show brief, relevant information in a bubble at the top of the screen. This could function similarly to the current time tracker visible during phone calls, where users can tap the bubble to access more details.
According to Rahman, the Rich Ongoing Notifications API will enable developers to create customizable “chips” with unique text and background colors that will persist in the status bar. This functionality is expected to enhance user experience by providing continuous updates from various applications without requiring users to navigate away from their current tasks.
It could be particularly beneficial for applications that provide transit updates, allowing users to monitor essential information like bus or train departure times, or the estimated arrival time of rideshare services, all while multitasking.
Despite the promising potential of this new feature, it is important to note that it is still under development and not yet finalized. The exact timeline for its public release remains uncertain, as the feature is expected to be completed in future updates. Rahman speculates that Rich Ongoing Notifications will likely be introduced with Android 16, which means users might have to wait until then to fully utilize this enhanced notification system.
The introduction of Rich Ongoing Notifications could mark a significant advancement in how Android devices manage and present ongoing information. By allowing apps to communicate essential updates in a seamless manner, Google aims to improve multitasking capabilities and keep users informed without interruption, positioning Android devices more competitively against Apple’s notification features.
