Android 15 January 2026 - 9 February 2026

Google’s February 2026 Android system update adds Wallet ID Pass support and tightens Play Store rules
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Google’s February 2026 Android system update adds Wallet ID Pass support and tightens Play Store rules

Google posted February release notes for Android system services, adding transit display controls to Maps and expanding passport support for Wallet’s ID Pass. Play Store v50.1 drops content publication for outdated Engage SDK versions. Updates ship through Google’s system services channel, not full OS upgrades. Google did not specify which new passports or markets are supported for ID Pass.
February 10, 2026
Android’s ‘Extend Unlock’ productivity trick is making the rounds again — and it can leave phones exposed
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Android’s ‘Extend Unlock’ productivity trick is making the rounds again — and it can leave phones exposed

Android Police highlighted “Extend Unlock,” a setting that keeps Android phones unlocked near trusted places or Bluetooth devices, as a top productivity tool. Google warns the feature may keep devices open for hours, increasing risk if a phone is lost or stolen. The setting has drawn renewed attention as security prompts multiply and users seek faster access for work and payments.
February 9, 2026
Google data show 40% of Android phones may be exposed — check your security update now
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Google data show 40% of Android phones may be exposed — check your security update now

Over 40% of Android devices still run version 12 or earlier, which no longer receive security patches, according to Google's latest report. Android 15 leads with 19.3% adoption, while Android 16 is on just 7.5%. Security experts warn of rising fake app and NFC payment scams targeting unpatched phones. Google ended official support for Android 12 in March 2025.
February 7, 2026
Google says Android’s Quick Share will soon work with Apple AirDrop on more phones
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Google says Android’s Quick Share will soon work with Apple AirDrop on more phones

Google will expand its AirDrop-compatible Quick Share feature beyond the Pixel 10 series in 2026, Android engineering chief Erik Kay said Friday in Taipei. Details on which Android devices will get the update remain unclear. The feature, launched for Pixel 10 in late 2025, allows file transfers between Android and Apple devices. Google emphasized security and said industry partners are involved in the rollout.
February 6, 2026
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 quietly revamps Pixel Adaptive Connectivity — what the new toggles do
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 quietly revamps Pixel Adaptive Connectivity — what the new toggles do

Google has split Pixel’s Adaptive Connectivity feature into two separate toggles in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2: “Auto-switch to mobile network” and “Optimize network for battery life,” both enabled by default. The change follows an update to Adaptive Connectivity Services. The new options replace the previous single switch and warn users about possible data charges. A stable rollout is expected in March.
February 3, 2026
Turning off Google’s AICore on Samsung phones sounds easy — here’s what changes
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Turning off Google’s AICore on Samsung phones sounds easy — here’s what changes

Tests on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE showed some Galaxy AI features stopped working locally when Google’s AICore was disabled, shifting tasks to the cloud. Samsung says users can enable on-device processing, but many AI tools still rely on cloud services. Google’s AICore supplies up-to-date AI models like Gemini Nano for Android apps. Some users report better battery life after disabling AICore.
February 3, 2026
Android users are replacing Google apps with Fossify — here’s what they gain (and lose)
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Android users are replacing Google apps with Fossify — here’s what they gain (and lose)

An Android Police writer reported fully replacing Google’s clock, calculator, keyboard, calendar, and contacts apps with Fossify alternatives. Fossify’s repositories showed updates to several core apps on Feb. 1. The writer cited Google’s increased integration of its Gemini AI as a reason for switching. Fossify apps have surpassed 100,000 downloads on Google Play.
February 1, 2026
Android fingerprint unlock “downgrade” claim reignites the Face ID fight
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Android fingerprint unlock “downgrade” claim reignites the Face ID fight

A PhoneArena editor criticized Android phones for relying on fingerprint unlock, calling it a downgrade from Apple’s 3D face scanning. He argued manufacturers could offer both fingerprint and 3D face unlock but rarely do. Google’s Pixel 8 now uses Face Unlock for payments and app sign-ins, though Google warns it may be less secure in some conditions. Most Android devices still use less secure 2D face unlock.
February 1, 2026
Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: new camera island, Android 16 — and a 25W magnetic charger surfaces
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Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: new camera island, Android 16 — and a 25W magnetic charger surfaces

Leaked images show the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a raised rear camera island and a 200MP main sensor. Samsung’s new “Magnetic Wireless Charger” appears to support 25W Qi2 wireless charging for the S26 Ultra. Multiple sources point to a Galaxy Unpacked launch event on February 25, though Samsung has not confirmed the date. The S26 Ultra is expected to run Android 16 with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
January 31, 2026
Google tightens Android Theft Protection, adding new locks for banking apps and remote controls
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Google tightens Android Theft Protection, adding new locks for banking apps and remote controls

Google expanded “Identity Check” to more apps using biometrics and added an optional security question for Remote Lock. Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock will be enabled by default on new Android devices in Brazil. Android 16 devices now feature stricter Failed Authentication Lock controls, including longer lockouts after repeated wrong sign-in attempts.
January 29, 2026
Google leak reveals “Aluminium OS” — Android desktop for PCs caught on video
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Google leak reveals “Aluminium OS” — Android desktop for PCs caught on video

Google briefly published screen recordings of “Aluminium OS,” an Android-based desktop interface, running on a Chromebook before restricting access to the footage. The videos showed window controls and a Chrome extensions button, suggesting a PC-style Android build. Tech sites say the leak offers the clearest look yet at Google’s Android-for-PC project. Google has not announced launch details or device compatibility.
January 28, 2026
Android 17 leak shows Google’s “blurry” redesign — plus a new screen recorder
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Android 17 leak shows Google’s “blurry” redesign — plus a new screen recorder

Leaked screenshots show Android 17 testing a broader blur effect on menus like the volume and power controls, replacing solid backgrounds with translucent panels. The internal build also adds a revamped screen recorder and a new “Lock app” shortcut. The changes echo Apple’s recent push for translucent interface layers. Some users have raised concerns about readability.
January 27, 2026
Nova Launcher bought again: Instabridge says it will keep the Android favorite alive — but ads are already showing up
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Nova Launcher bought again: Instabridge says it will keep the Android favorite alive — but ads are already showing up

Instabridge has acquired Nova Launcher and is considering ads in the free version, while Nova Launcher Prime will remain ad-free. Users and tech sites report ad tracking code and new ad permissions in the latest update, with some already seeing ads in the app drawer. Instabridge says Nova is not shutting down and is exploring paid tiers. The app now lists Instabridge as developer on Google Play.
January 21, 2026
Android 17 is coming: Google’s latest Android updates offer fresh clues
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Android 17 is coming: Google’s latest Android updates offer fresh clues

Google updated its system-services release notes on Jan. 19, detailing new Play services and Play Store features delivered outside major Android upgrades. Leaks indicate Android 17 may introduce a split notification shade and separate toggles for Wi‑Fi and mobile data, but Google has not confirmed these changes. The company will now publish Android source code twice yearly.
January 21, 2026
Google’s ‘high-friction’ Android sideloading is coming — what it means for Play Store users
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Google’s ‘high-friction’ Android sideloading is coming — what it means for Play Store users

Google will require stricter identity verification for Android app sideloading starting March 2026, with new warnings for unverified developers and possible internet checks. The changes, aimed at curbing scams, roll out first in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, expanding globally through 2027. Google says the process will add friction but not block sideloading.
January 20, 2026
Google’s “high-friction” Android sideloading update is coming — here’s what changes
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Google’s “high-friction” Android sideloading update is coming — here’s what changes

Google will require extra steps for sideloading apps on Android, calling it an “Accountability Layer” rather than a ban. New Play Store text strings show an “Install without verifying” option with added warnings and online checks. The rollout is expected to start later this year in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, according to Android Authority. The change also affects Google TV and Android TV devices.
January 20, 2026
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 adds tap-to-resize widgets as Google rolls more Pixel fixes
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 adds tap-to-resize widgets as Google rolls more Pixel fixes

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 adds plus and minus buttons for resizing widgets on Pixel devices, replacing drag handles. The update, released Jan. 14, targets crashes, battery drain, sluggish Wi‑Fi, and charging issues. January security patches address two critical vulnerabilities, including one in Bluetooth. The beta covers Pixel 6 through Pixel 10, foldables, and tablets.
January 17, 2026
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 just dropped for Pixel — Google targets battery drain, Wi‑Fi bugs and missed calls
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 just dropped for Pixel — Google targets battery drain, Wi‑Fi bugs and missed calls

Google released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to Pixel devices on Jan. 14, including the 2026-01-05 security patch and fixes for battery drain, charging, Wi-Fi, and missed calls. The update is available over-the-air to eligible Pixel phones, tablets, and foldables in the beta program. Samsung is expanding AI features across its 2026 lineup, raising expectations for smoother Android performance.
January 15, 2026
Android 17 Leak: Split Quick Settings & Notifications, Separate Wi‑Fi/Data Toggles Return — With a Foldable Catch
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Android 17 Leak: Split Quick Settings & Notifications, Separate Wi‑Fi/Data Toggles Return — With a Foldable Catch

Leaked builds of Android 17 show Google testing a “dual-shade” interface that splits notifications and Quick Settings into separate panels, with users swiping from different sides to access each. Phones may offer a choice between the new and classic layouts, but large-screen devices could be locked to the split view. Separate Wi‑Fi and mobile data toggles may return, reversing a change from Android 12.
January 15, 2026
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel: battery drain, charging-limit and Wi‑Fi fixes — plus a quiet Recents change
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel: battery drain, charging-limit and Wi‑Fi fixes — plus a quiet Recents change

Google began rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to eligible Pixel phones, foldables, and tablets on January 14, 2026. The update includes the January 2026 security patch and targets battery drain, charging bugs, Wi‑Fi slowness, and system crashes. The Recents screen loses “save image” and “open in Lens” actions. Pixel 10 models receive the update only via on-device OTA, not downloadable images.
January 15, 2026
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