Android 16: 4 updates that will transform your push notifications

This year is a milestone for Android: with a new OS version expected in Q2 and more features to be announced in Q4, Google is stepping up its push for mobile innovation.

Apart from the headline-grabbing AI and Gemini news, here are four key changes that will reshape how you engage users on mobile.

Let’s dive into the updates that really matter for your mobile engagement.

Lock screen: a rethought message hierarchy

Android 16 introduces a new compact mode: the main notification stands out, while others are shown as small icons. This default setting in the QPR1 beta version changes how notifications are visually prioritized.

What’s the impact on your strategies?

This new layout prompts important questions: will it drive users to open the notification center more often, or will their attention stay fixed on the featured message? Early feedback will help you fine-tune your timing and prioritization.

Notification center: toward an optimized user experience

The notification panel is also getting a redesign:

• Prioritized display of the app icon (replacing the “small icon”)

• Condensed format with optimized text for quick reading

• Global dismissal function for notifications

• Direct access to notification history

What’s the impact on your strategies?

Google is giving users more control over their notifications — a positive step for the ecosystem. With less screen space, your push notifications need to be even shorter and more impactful.

Material 3 Expressive: a design system for engagement

Google is gradually introducing its new visual language, Material 3 Expressive, which brings more personalization and fluid interactions. Expect to see these changes appear in quarterly updates after Android 16’s launch. Learn more at material.io.

What’s the impact on your strategies?

Although it’s too early to gauge user behavior, it’s worth keeping an eye on these changes so you can quickly update your creative assets as needed.

Live Updates: Android’s answer to iOS Live Activities

Finally, Android 16 introduces its dynamic notification format, directly inspired by Apple’s Live Activities. These real-time updates are designed for scenarios like navigation, delivery, live sports, and transportation.

What’s the impact on your strategies?

For eligible apps, this format opens up new engagement opportunities. Because it’s built into Android, this feature gives you even more ways to connect with your users.

Looking ahead

Android 16 marks Google’s move toward a smarter, more user-centric notification system — giving users more control while still offering new ways to engage. Some of these changes will need real-world testing, so tracking user behavior after launch will be key.

We’ll keep updating our analysis as feedback and data come in. The aim: turn these technical updates into real competitive advantages for your mobile engagement.