Demo App Provides Better Look at How Android 16’s Live Notifications Work [Video]

Google has announced that “Live Notifications” are coming to Android 16, and now, a demo app offers a clearer view of how this feature will function.

With the release of the first Android 16 beta, Google is set to introduce Live Notifications, a new type of alert that helps users monitor ongoing activities and access them quickly. According to Google, this feature will be particularly useful for apps related to ride-sharing, delivery services, and navigation. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it closely resembles Apple’s Live Activities on iOS.

Google has only provided a brief preview of how Live Notifications will work. However, developer Victor Mihailov created a demo app showcasing the feature, which Android Authority used for a more in-depth look.

How Live Notifications Work in Android 16

Android 16’s Live Notifications consist of two key elements:

1. Notification Tray Integration:

   • These notifications appear in the notification tray, displaying real-time progress, similar to how some apps have simulated this behavior in the past.

2. Status Bar Chip:

   • A small chip appears in the status bar, making the notification more accessible.
   • Android already uses this feature for phone calls, screen recordings, and Gemini Live, and soon, it will also support Live Notifications.

Tapping on the status bar chip brings up an expanded notification, separate from the usual notification tray. These notifications are also pinned to the top of the tray and display differently on Always-On Display (AOD) and the lock screen.

Additionally, Android 16 will allow users to turn off Live Notifications on a per-app basis, giving them more control over this feature.

Samsung’s Similar Implementation in One UI 7

Interestingly, this implementation is very similar to Samsung’s “Live Notifications” feature in One UI 7, introduced with the Galaxy S25 series. Currently, this functionality is limited to Google Maps and a few other apps running on Samsung’s Android 15 skin.

Final Release Timeline

While Live Notifications are still in development, they are shaping up to be a useful new feature in Android 16. Based on Google’s rapid release cycle, the final version of Android 16 is expected to launch around May or June, with the beta program already available for Pixel devices.