Android 15 Notifications To Get More Colors

Google is experimenting with a redesign of the notification display in Android 15. Instead of subtle icons, colored app symbols could soon appear in the status bar. This is probably not quite fixed yet, but it could definitely make the notifications prettier.

New notification icons for Android 15

Google is apparently planning a visual refresh of the notification system in Android. How Android Authority reported, the tech company is experimenting with changing the notification icons in the status bar, the always-on display and the notification area. Instead of the usual, subtle (white) symbols, the regular, colored app icons could be used in the future.

The possible innovation was discovered in the recently published source code of Android 15 (via the Android Open Source Project; AOSP). Although the update is not due to be officially released for a few weeks, experts like Android Authority author Mishaal Rahman can discover hints of upcoming features there. The idea behind the change: Users should be able to see at a glance which app a particular notification comes from.

Colorful or subtle?

The planned change would significantly change the appearance of the status bar. Instead of the current rather inconspicuous and monochrome symbols, colorful app icons would visually attract attention. This could improve recognition, but would come at the expense of a uniform design.

For users who find the colorful version too conspicuous, Google also seems to be preparing an alternative: The company is also apparently working on largely monochrome icons with just a little color, with the color scheme based on that of the system. According to Rahman, however, this option is not yet fully developed visually.

Also for Always-on Display

The changes would not only be limited to the status bar. The new icons could also be used in the always-on display and the extended notification area. It is important to emphasize that this function is still in the experimental stage. It remains to be seen whether and in what form it will actually be implemented in a future Android version.

Google often collects feedback on such changes before they are included in the final release.