Adapting to new permission models and user-centric features

Android 13 is here and it’s busy shaking things up for developers – and yes, your app’s users. Whether you’re tweaking your app’s permission dialogs or giving your icons a style upgrade, these new features make sure your apps play nicely in a world where user privacy and personalisation are king. Let’s dive into what’s new, with a few jokes along the way (because who says tech can’t be fun?).

Granular Permissions: Because One-Size-Fits-All is So Last Season

Remember the days when asking for a blanket permission felt like wearing a stretchy pair of pants that fit everyone? Android 13 has ditched that approach for something much more tailored. Now, instead of a single “storage” permission, apps can request granular media permissions for images, videos, and audio separately.

• Why this matters: Users now have finer control over what content they share. No more “all or nothing” – they can say, “Yes, you can see my vacation photos, but my private karaoke sessions? Not today.”
• Developer tip: Make sure you update your app to handle these new permission requests gracefully. If your app runs on multiple versions, remember to fall back to the old permissions on Android 12 and earlier.
• A little joke: Think of it as the difference between a buffet where you have to try everything versus an à la carte menu. Who wouldn’t prefer choosing exactly what they want?

(Sources for granular permissions and developer tips: )

Themed App Icons: Your App, Now Matching Your Mood

One of the most visually exciting changes is the introduction of themed app icons. Building on the dynamic theming spirit introduced with Material You, Android 13 lets apps customise their icons to blend in with the user’s wallpaper and overall theme.

• What’s new: Beyond just matching colours, these icons can now adapt dynamically, so whether your user switches from a sunny wallpaper to a dark one, your icon stays on trend.
• Developer tip: Test your app icons in different themes. A mismatched icon is like showing up to a costume party in last year’s outfit – nobody wants that!
• A little joke: Finally, your app can be as fashionable as your phone’s wallpaper – no more icon FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

(Insights on themed app icons can be found at )

Foreground Services: Keep It in the Spotlight

Foreground services in Android 13 have received a few tweaks too. These services keep your app performing critical tasks (like music playback or location tracking) even when it’s not front and center.

• What’s changed: Android 13 emphasises better user control and clearer notifications when foreground services are running. This means your app must now wear its “working hard” badge more transparently.
• Developer tip: Always ensure your foreground service has a clear, user-friendly notification. Not only does this comply with new guidelines, but it also builds trust – after all, if your app is working in the background, users deserve to know why.
• A little joke: If your app’s foreground service had a Tinder profile, it would proudly display “Not just running in the background – actively doing cool stuff!”

Adapting to the New Permission Models and User-Centric Features

The shifts in Android 13 aren’t just about cool new features – they signal a broader movement towards user-centric design. Here’s how you can ensure your app is on the cutting edge:

• Review your permission requests: Break them down into more granular requests where possible. If your app only needs access to photos and not videos or audio, ask just for that.
• Embrace dynamic theming: Update your app icons and UI elements to align with Android 13’s dynamic themes. A small tweak here can greatly enhance your user’s visual experience.
• Stay transparent with background tasks: Use the improved notification system for foreground services to keep your users informed and engaged.

Remember, while adapting to these changes might feel like learning a new dance routine, once you get the hang of it, your app will not only comply with the latest standards but also win the hearts of users who appreciate the extra thought put into privacy and personalisation.

In Conclusion

Android 13 is a developer’s playground – with a few extra hurdles and a lot of new possibilities. From granular permissions that let users pick and choose what to share, to themed app icons that keep your brand stylish and foreground services that say, “I’m on it!” – this update is all about putting users first. So, roll up your sleeves, update your code, and maybe have a laugh or two along the way. After all, if apps can be fun, why shouldn’t coding be too?

Happy coding, and may your app updates be as smooth as your favourite wallpaper transition!