Mobile app developers must be aware of the influx of new features and improvements brought about by the release of Android 11. In order to keep their apps current, safe, and easy to use, companies and developers must keep up with the latest Android features as the mobile app market changes.
Let’s find out how Android 11’s new features will impact your mobile application and what steps you should take to adapt.
Key Features of Android 11 That Will Impact Mobile Apps
A number of fresh improvements are included in Android 11 with the goal of enhancing app functionality, privacy, and user experience. The way apps handle permissions, manage data, and communicate with users is affected by these changes, which are particularly important for developers. Android 11 is transforming the mobile app market with features including improved location tracking, increased biometric security, and 5G capability. Let’s take a look at the following features:
One-Time Permissions
Android 11 introduces one-time permissions for sensitive data access, such as location, microphone, and camera. Users can now grant temporary access to these resources, which will be revoked once the app is closed.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Apps that rely heavily on location services, voice inputs, or camera access need to handle permission requests more strategically. Developers must implement clear explanations for why permissions are needed to improve user trust and app engagement.
Best Practices: Use permission prompts wisely and only when necessary. Provide a seamless experience even if users deny permissions.
Background Location Access
With Android 11, background location access is restricted. Users must explicitly enable this permission through the device settings rather than during app installation or usage.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Location-based apps, such as navigation and delivery services, may face challenges in acquiring continuous location data. Developers need to rethink how they request and use location permissions.
Best Practices: Encourage users to enable background location access with in-app explanations and links to settings. Provide value to users without relying heavily on background location tracking.
Scoped Storage Enforcement
Android 11 enforces scoped storage, which limits how apps can access a device’s file system. Apps can no longer freely access the entire storage; instead, they must use dedicated directories.
Impact on Mobile Apps: File management and media apps need significant adjustments to comply with scoped storage. Apps that rely on external storage access will need to adapt their storage handling.
Best Practices: Use the Storage Access Framework and Media Store API to access media files. Ensure that your app’s file handling is compliant with the new storage rules.
Conversations and Chat Bubbles
Android 11 introduces chat bubbles for messaging apps and a dedicated Conversations section in the notification shade.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Messaging and social media apps can leverage chat bubbles to improve multitasking and user engagement. Apps that don’t adopt chat bubbles might be seen as outdated or less user-friendly.
Best Practices: Integrate chat bubbles into your messaging app for a modern user experience. Use the Notification API to categorize notifications as conversations for better visibility.
Device Controls and Media Controls
Android 11 includes a new device control interface accessible through the power menu and enhanced media controls that allow users to switch between audio output devices easily.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Smart home apps can benefit from the new device controls, providing users with quick access to IoT devices. Media streaming apps need to ensure compatibility with the new media controls.
Best Practices: Implement device controls using the Controls API for IoT apps. Ensure that your media app supports seamless audio output switching.
5G Connectivity Support
Android 11 enhances support for 5G networks, allowing apps to detect whether a user is on a 5G network and adjust functionality accordingly.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Streaming apps, gaming apps, and AR/VR apps can leverage faster speeds and lower latency to provide richer experiences. Apps can optimize content delivery and performance based on network type.
Best Practices: Use the Connectivity API to check for 5G availability. Optimize app performance and media quality based on network speed.
Biometric Prompt API Enhancements
Android 11 improves the Biometric Prompt API to support a wider range of authentication methods.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Apps that require secure logins can provide users with more flexible biometric authentication options. Enhanced biometric support improves user convenience and app security.
Best Practices: Implement biometric authentication using the updated API. Provide fallback authentication methods for users without biometric hardware.
Auto-Reset Permissions
Android 11 introduces auto-reset permissions for apps that haven’t been used for a while. Permissions granted to such apps will be automatically revoked.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Apps that aren’t frequently used may lose permissions, affecting functionality. Developers must account for permission resets in their apps.
Best Practices: Notify users when permissions are revoked and guide them to re-enable necessary permissions. Optimize app functionality to encourage regular use.
Native Screen Recorder
One of the user-friendly features introduced in Android 11 is the native screen recorder. This feature allows users to record their screen without needing third-party apps.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Apps that rely on screen recording functionality may see decreased usage if users prefer the native tool. App developers can focus on improving other unique features rather than building a screen recorder.
Best Practices: Enhance your app’s unique features to retain users. Offer additional recording options if your app targets content creators.
Seamless Updates
Android 11 brings seamless update functionality, where apps resume operations after a device reboot without user intervention.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Apps handling large downloads or critical operations benefit from reduced interruptions. Users enjoy a smoother experience with fewer disruptions.
Best Practices: Ensure your app supports seamless updates. Test your app’s behavior after system reboots to avoid crashes or data loss.
Improved Keyboard Suggestions
Android 11 enhances the keyboard suggestion strip, allowing apps to display autofill suggestions directly on the keyboard.
Impact on Mobile Apps: Apps with forms and input fields can leverage this feature to improve data entry. Enhanced user convenience leads to better engagement.
Best Practices: Use the Autofill API to provide relevant suggestions. Ensure your app’s forms are optimized for faster data entry.
How to Adapt Your Mobile App to Android 11
To ensure your mobile app remains compatible with Android 11, follow these steps:
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Test Your App on Android 11 Devices: Ensure your app functions correctly on Android 11 by testing it on real devices and emulators.
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Update Your App’s Target API Level: Google requires apps to target the latest API level to remain in the Play Store. Update your app to target API level 30 (Android 11).
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Review and Update Permissions: Audit your app’s permission requests and ensure they comply with Android 11’s new policies.
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Optimize Storage Handling: Ensure your app complies with scoped storage by updating file access and storage logic.
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Leverage New APIs: Take advantage of new APIs in Android 11 to enhance your app’s functionality and user experience.
Potential Challenges with Android 11
While Android 11 offers many enhancements, developers may face some challenges:
Permission Management – Apps must handle dynamic permission changes effectively.
Storage Restrictions – Scoped storage may require significant changes to file handling.
User Adaptation – Users may need time to adapt to new features like chat bubbles and device controls.
Testing Requirements – Apps must undergo rigorous testing on Android 11 devices to ensure compatibility.
Migration Costs – Updating existing apps to comply with Android 11 features may require additional development time and costs.
Why Businesses Need Android App Development
Mobile apps are becoming crucial tools for organizations looking to increase sales, improve consumer engagement, and raise profitability in today’s fast-paced digital environment. Out of all the platforms accessible, Android app development is a wise option for businesses looking to reach a wider audience while maintaining flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Let’s examine the main justifications for why companies require Android app development.
Larger Customer Base
Android dominates the global smartphone market with millions of active users. This vast user base presents a tremendous opportunity for businesses to increase their reach and achieve a higher return on investment (ROI). According to recent surveys, Android app downloads have surpassed 41.9 billion, making it one of the most widely used operating systems across the globe. By investing in Android app development, businesses can access a larger audience and drive more profit through mobile engagement.
Cost-Efficiency
Compared to iOS apps, Android apps are more cost-effective to develop. Android’s development ecosystem offers a wide array of tools, libraries, and frameworks, allowing businesses to build high-quality apps at a lower cost. Moreover, Android developers only need to pay a one-time registration fee to publish apps on the Google Play Store, making it an affordable option for startups and enterprises alike.
Easy Integration with Third-Party APIs
Android apps are known for their easy integration capabilities with third-party APIs and services. Whether it’s integrating payment gateways, social media platforms, or analytics tools, Android’s flexible architecture allows developers to seamlessly connect the app with various services. Additionally, Android apps generally have shorter development cycles, helping businesses launch their apps faster.
Device Compatibility
Android apps offer high compatibility across a wide range of devices. Leading smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Google use Android as their operating system, ensuring that businesses can target users across various devices with different screen sizes and hardware specifications. This compatibility enhances the app’s usability and ensures a consistent user experience across multiple devices.
Customization and Scalability
One of the key advantages of Android app development is its customization and scalability options. Android’s open-source nature allows developers to create apps that align perfectly with a business’s unique needs and branding. Businesses can scale their Android apps to add more features as they grow, ensuring that the app remains relevant and valuable over time. Furthermore, Google offers continuous support for developers, ensuring that the apps remain up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
BizBrolly: Your Trusted Android App Development Partner
Looking for a reliable Android mobile app development company in Delhi/Noida? BizBrolly is a leading name in delivering top-notch Android app solutions tailored to your business needs. Our experienced team of developers specializes in building robust, scalable, and user-friendly mobile applications for various industries, including e-commerce, travel, retail, restaurants, and more.
We pride ourselves on creating mobile apps that are feature-rich and optimized for performance, ensuring a seamless user experience. By leveraging cutting-edge tools, technologies, and best practices, we offer cost-efficient Android app development services to help businesses thrive in the competitive market.
With BizBrolly, you get more than just an app; you get a solution that drives business growth and enhances customer engagement. Let us help you transform your business vision into a reality with our expertise in Android app development.
Why Choose BizBrolly?
✔ Expert Developers
✔ Customized Solutions
✔ Faster Time-to-Market
✔ Cost-Effective Services
✔ Comprehensive Post-Launch Support
Take your business to the next level with BizBrolly’s Android app development services. Let’s build something great together!
