Android Authority has uncovered intriguing details about a forthcoming App Lock feature that may debut with the global rollout of Android 17. This feature promises to enhance user privacy by allowing individuals to manage the content displayed in app notifications, thereby offering a more tailored approach to per-app security.
Android App Lock may allow users to set private notifications
The discovery stems from code found in the January developer build of Android Canary 2601. It suggests that while apps protected by the App Lock feature will continue to send notifications, the sensitive content will be obscured to maintain user privacy. Instead of revealing the full message or alert, notifications might simply indicate a “New message” or “New notification.” This functionality allows users to remain informed without compromising their privacy.
Users will have the option to secure individual apps with a password, PIN, or biometric lock. For those who prefer not to receive notifications from locked apps, the current settings will still allow for complete notification disabling. If implemented, this feature is expected to first appear on Google Pixel devices, although its availability on other brands remains uncertain. Some manufacturers, like OnePlus, already offer similar functionalities, while others, such as Samsung, may continue to rely on their established security frameworks.
App Lock will differ from Private Space and similar privacy features
As users contemplate the distinctions between App Lock and existing privacy features, it’s important to note that while Android already allows for limited notification privacy on the lock screen, App Lock will function even when the phone is unlocked. This sets it apart from the Private Space feature introduced in Android 15, which confines apps to a secure area that requires a password or biometric verification.
Unlike the current Private Space or Samsung’s Secure Folder, which necessitate relocating apps to a locked section of the operating system, App Lock will enable users to secure individual apps without the need for such relocation. Currently, developers must implement their own app locks, as seen in messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal. The anticipated App Lock feature would alleviate this burden, providing a universal solution for securing any app installed on a device. As Google continues to refine early builds of Android 17, further updates on this promising feature are expected to emerge.
