Android 16 live updates feature will offer more flexibility with apps on your smartphone
The Android 16 update has been rolled out by Google in June 2025 and it offers multiple new features for supported devices. One of those features include ‘Live Updates’ which delivers notification to the users on real-time activities through the smartphone’s lock screen.
This feature will be applicable on the apps that offer services like phone calls, ride sharing, food delivery and much more. However, it cannot be used for advertisements or promotions.
What are Live Updates
The ‘Live Updates’ in Android 16 can remind someone about ‘Live Activities’ feature offered ion iPhone. The notifications offer an activity that is currently active and offers a start and end period. This feature is mostly aimed to offer active sensitive notifications and not past events.
Some of the uses of Live Updates include active navigation, food delivery tracking tracking, ongoing phone calls and much more through the respective Android apps. These notifications will be displayed on Android device’s lock screen and offer details like ETA or tracking.
With this feature Google has thrown out the need to unlock the smartphone for checking the status. The developer should ensure that Live Updates should represent activities that are explicitly triggered by the user and should appear if it is necessary for user’s attention. Google has also pointed out that the Live Updates feature cannot be used for ads, alerts, chat messages, promotions or upcoming calendar events. However, in case you have an imminent flight ticket or concert ticket, you might receive Live Updates.
