Android 12

AppWizard
July 3, 2026
Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
AppWizard
July 1, 2026
Google is introducing a new utility app named “Signatures” for Android users, starting to appear on Pixel devices and select Android smartphones with the June 2026 Play system update. The app is operational on devices like the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but not on the Oppo Find X9 Ultra, despite the same update. The app serves as a repository for users' digital signatures, which can be drawn, typed, or scanned. Its integration with other applications remains uncertain, and it can only be accessed by manually launching its components. The app is designated as (com.google.android.signature), version “17,” and is compatible with Android 12 and newer versions. It is not available through the Play Store and is distributed exclusively via Play System Updates.
AppWizard
June 2, 2026
Google's Phone app is introducing a feature to alert users about potential AI impersonation scams by flagging calls that appear to be from their contacts as suspicious. This update is part of the broader June Android update, which includes other enhancements such as support for Apple AirDrop, accessibility of the Personal Safety app for children under 13, AI-powered clothing try-on features in Photos, and improved search functionality for outfits. The Phone app will notify users with a message indicating that "Someone may be pretending to call from your contact’s number," allowing them to hang up if the call is deemed suspicious. This feature will be automatically enabled for users on Android 12 and later, starting with Pixel devices, and relies on a system where both the user and their contact must use the Phone by Google app to verify call authenticity through a "silent confirmation signal." The feature utilizes end-to-end encrypted rich communication services (RCS) technology.
AppWizard
June 2, 2026
Phone by Google is introducing a fake call detection feature to protect Android users from impersonation scams that use AI-powered deepfake technology. This feature requires both parties to use Android devices with the Phone by Google app, Google Messages, and Google Contacts. It works by sending a silent confirmation signal to verify the legitimacy of a call. If an impersonation attempt is detected, the user's phone will check with the actual contact's device, and if the real device indicates that it is not making a call, a warning will appear on the user's screen. The feature will roll out globally for Android 12+ devices, starting with Pixel phones, and will be enabled by default. The underlying RCS technology may also be adopted by other apps and manufacturers.
AppWizard
June 2, 2026
Google has expanded the Personal Safety app to include children under 13, allowing them to display emergency contacts, their age, and allergies on their lock screen. Children can also activate Crash Detection, which contacts emergency services and priority contacts in case of an accident. Teens will have access to features like Safety Check for scheduling safety reminders and real-time location sharing. These updates will be available on Android devices running Android 12 or later, though a specific rollout timeline has not been provided. Some devices may refer to the app as "Safety," while Samsung includes similar features in its Safety and emergency menu.
AppWizard
June 1, 2026
Samsung Messages will cease to function in July 2026, resulting in the loss of any unmigrated text history. Users are encouraged to transition to Google Messages, which offers features like RCS-enabled texting, high-quality image sharing, AI-powered spam detection, multi-device access, and Gemini AI features. Samsung provides instructions for this migration, especially for users on Android 12 and 13. The exact date in July for the service discontinuation is unspecified, but only emergency messaging will remain functional afterward. Samsung Messages was no longer the default app since 2021 and stopped being preinstalled in 2024. Users on Android 11 or earlier are not directly affected but are advised to switch to Google Messages. Older Galaxy Watches running Tizen will have limited access to conversation histories, while newer models on WearOS will retain full access.
AppWizard
May 23, 2026
LinkSheet is an open-source application designed to improve link-handling on Android devices by reinstating the "Open with" dialog, allowing users to choose their preferred app for opening links. It intercepts links when set as the default browser, enabling users to select from multiple apps instead of being restricted to verified ones. LinkSheet also allows users to open links in incognito mode for privacy and control over browsing habits. Users can download LinkSheet from its GitHub repository, as it is not available on the Google Play Store. After installation, users can configure their apps to prevent them from opening verified links directly. Additional features include the Use ClearURLs option to remove tracking parameters and an Enable downloader feature for direct download links.
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