Android 15 Foreground Services – New Rules, New Challenges!
Attention Android Developers! Android 15 (API Level 35) introduces strict changes to Foreground Services, and failing to adapt may cause crashes or unexpected behavior in your apps. Let’s break it down!
🔥 Key Changes & Solutions
✅ 1. Data Sync Timeout (6-Hour Limit)
📌 Rule: Android 15 restricts foreground services for data syncing to 6 hours per 24-hour window.
🔧 Fix: Implement onTimeout() to gracefully stop services and reset the timer if the user reopens the app.
✅ 2. Media Processing Limit (6-Hour Cap)
🎥 Rule: Media services (e.g., video transcoding) also get a 6-hour max limit.
🛠 Best Practice: Use WorkManager for long-running media tasks to avoid crashes.
✅ 3. No Auto-Start for Foreground Services After Boot
🚫 Rule: BOOT_COMPLETED can’t trigger services like dataSync, mediaPlayback, etc.
💡 Solution: Delay service start until the user opens the app.
✅ 4. SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW Permission Update
⚠️ Rule: Apps can’t start foreground services from the background using SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW.
🔍 Fix: Use View.getWindowVisibility() or onWindowVisibilityChanged() before starting a service.
💡 Why Does This Matter?
🔹 Prevents crashes & ensures smooth app functionality.
🔹 Improves battery life & resource management.
🔹 Keeps your app compliant with Android 15 to avoid future issues.
🚀 Take Action Now!
✅ Review & update your foreground services logic.
✅ Implement onTimeout() for data sync & media services.
✅ Check & modify BOOT_COMPLETED & SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW usage.
📌 Stay ahead of Android 15 updates and keep your app running smoothly!
Android 15 Foreground Services – New Rules, New Challenges!
Reviewed by sahar ali raza
on
February 16, 2025
Rating: 5