Android 16 could introduce a big Do Not Disturb upgrade and let you put apps in bubbles

Set up Priority Modes and bubble anything

News By James Rogerson published 10 October 2024

Android 15 still isn’t available quite yet, but we already have some idea of what to expect from Android 16, with two possible features having just leaked.

First up, there’s Priority Modes, which Android Authority has spotted in the latest Android 15 QPR 1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1) beta. This is essentially an update to the existing Do Not Disturb mode, adding the ability to create multiple custom Priority Modes, each with its own name, settings, and icon.

You can configure when they trigger, such as at your bedtime or during a calendar event, and what (if any) notifications you’ll allow through when they’re active. You can also have Priority Modes do things like disable the always-on display, turn the screen black and white, dim the wallpaper, and more.

There are over 40 icons to choose from for each Priority Mode, and you can access this feature both from the Quick Settings panel and the main settings menu.

However, while Android Authority was able to access this in an Android 15 beta, the site isn’t sure when it will actually launch, claiming that, while a rollout during one of Android 15’s QPRs is possible, they think it’s more likely to launch as part of Android 16, presumably because it’s such a major feature.

In any case, the same site has also found the ability to put any app in a bubble in this latest Android 15 QPR 1 beta.

Put any app in a bubble

Android already allows you to put conversations from messaging apps in a floating bubble, which appears on top of whatever other app you’re using, allowing you to easily tap on the bubble to bring up a conversation, and minimize it when you want to do other things on your phone. However, app developers can opt out of this, and it only works with messaging apps anyway, but with Android 16 it might work with every app.

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