While Android 15 has finally started rolling out, users are already hooked on the next version of the operating system and how the development of the new features is looking like, which are to be added to the next major release. Although there is still a year until the next Android 16 update, the latest Android betas give us a sneak peek into one of the significant features underway in the next version, which is now referred to as Modes.
The latest beta release unveils some major details about a new Modes feature coming to Android 16 next year
Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 3 has been recently rolled out, and according to Android Authority, it has given us some details on the upcoming Android 16 update and what to expect from it. One of the most interesting updates is the Do Not Disturb Mode, which is now being revamped, and a turbocharged version is coming out with far more advanced features. This was previously called Priority Modes, but now would be just Modes due to the new user interface it is packed with.
The current limitation of the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is that users do not have much control over when and how the notifications can be silenced as they can either manually activate it or have to manually control them between certain time periods. If multiple schedules need to be set up, the modes need to be modified every time to switch contexts, making it a huge hassle.
Android 16’s Mode feature removes this worry, replacing the cumbersome process with a more streamlined approach. Users would have the option to create multiple modes with their specific triggers and settings and can establish times and activities without repeatedly adjusting single-mode profiles. This would be a game changer for users who prefer having control over their notification experience and the ability to customize it.
Users can go to the phone’s settings tab to make adjustments to the new modes and turn it off or on or even go to the Quick Settings tile, which is also underway. When the mode is activated, an icon will be quite visible on the status bar, Lock Screen, and the Always-On display, making it easier to figure out which mode is active at the moment. This change would offer an improved experience through not only the ease of access but also the ability to identify modes at a glance, contributing to a more seamless experience overall.
The Modes feature in Android 16 offers 40 unique icons that users can choose from to represent different activities, automatically making it easier to find icons. The stable version might even feature a broader range of icons, but the current offerings are enough to distinguish varied activities visually and serve as a huge improvement in the overall experience.