While some of us are still waiting for Android 15-based One UI 7.0, Google has started rolling out the first developer preview of Android 16 (DP1). This also paves the way for an earlier release of One UI 8.0 compared to its predecessor, which is still in the works. As expected, Android 16 DP1 packs a punch, albeit many in the early phase. Among these features, Android 16 DP1 may introduce a function to protect sensitive notifications, such as OTPs.
Android 16 could bring a way to protect your sensitive notifications
Android expert Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) dives into what Android 16 DP1 has to offer. He notes that in Android 16 DP1, notification content flagged as “sensitive” by Android System Intelligence is no longer displayed on the lock screen. As of now, this appears to be the case only with notifications containing OTPs, though other types of content may also trigger this.
According to Rahman, Android 16 DP1 automatically hides the content of these sensitive notifications once the feature is enabled. If you’re already using the latest developer preview, you can find the option under Settings > Notifications > Sensitive Notifications and see for yourself.
(Mishaal Rahman/Android Authority)
How will Android 16’s sensitive notifications save you — or help you?
That’s a question many might have. It’s sure annoying to unlock your phone every time you view an OTP, but think of it as an added layer of privacy safeguarding you.
Imagine leaving your phone unattended at a party or at a relative’s house, only to find them glancing through your phone. Or when you’re taking public transit and a stranger looks at what just popped up on your phone. Thankfully, Android 15 introduces a feature to restrict notification access to malicious apps. Without it, things could have been worse.
For now, let’s keep our fingers crossed that this feature makes it to the stable version of Android 16. Galaxy devices running One UI 8.0 might get it, or we might even see more tweaks rolled out. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed.
