Google might be working on a new feature for Android 16 that could make commuting on buses and trains a little easier. According to a report from Android Authority, the company appears to be preparing a new Mode that automatically adjusts your phone settings whenever you’re using public transit.
Android first introduced Modes in Android 15 QPR2, letting users create profiles that change things like volume, notifications, and other preferences based on what they’re doing. Right now, Modes exist for things like Do Not Disturb, Bedtime, and Driving, and this new one could soon join the list.
What We Know About Transiting Mode
Android Authority found references to this feature in code within the latest Android Canary release. The feature is being referred to as a Transiting Mode, and it includes a trigger called “while transiting,” which suggests the phone could detect when you’re on a bus or train and switch settings automatically. This would work much like Driving Mode, which activates based on movement or Bluetooth connections.
The code strings discovered give a glimpse of what this new Mode could offer:
- While transiting
- Optimize your device for a smoother public transit experience
- Enjoy a better transit ride with automatic settings adjustments
These lines suggest that the Mode will make automatic changes to help your phone perform better during travel. While it’s not confirmed exactly what will change, it could adjust notification settings, sound levels, or ring and vibration preferences, just like other Modes already do.
Possible Extra Features on the Way
This new Transiting Mode might work together with Motion Cues, another feature Apple has been developing for more than a year. Motion Cues is designed to help reduce motion sickness by using visual cues, something that could make public transit rides more comfortable for sensitive users.
When Could We See It?
The next major Android build is expected to be Android 16 QPR3, planned for release in March 2026. Since Transiting Mode is still hidden in early test code, there’s no confirmed date for a public launch. If it shows up in the Android 16 QPR3 beta, that could be a sign it’s getting closer to being available for everyone.
For now, the only hint of Transiting Mode exists within the Android Canary channel, which hosts the earliest and most experimental versions of Android for developers. It may be a while before everyone gets to try it, but the feature looks promising for regular commuters who want a more seamless travel experience.
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