Android 15 Archives

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Android Spyware Asin Targets Arabic Users via Fake News, PDF and War Map Apps

Arabic-speaking users are the target of a new Android spyware called Asin, identified by ESET in early 2025. The malware is distributed through fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate services, including: - govlens[.]net, registered on May 27, 2025, impersonating a government news source. - pdf-reader[.]help, registered on May 29, 2025, claiming to be a secure PDF editor. - live-war-map[.]com, registered on January 20, 2025, providing updates on military incidents. Two of these domains are promoted via social media accounts on Facebook and Telegram. The spyware combines legitimate functionality with covert capabilities, and its campaigns may target journalists and OSINT researchers in Arabic-speaking regions. Artifacts linked to Asin include an upload to VirusTotal from Türkiye in October 2025, an APK downloaded from c-pdf[.]net in December 2025, and a sample disguised as "Syria Defense Map" detected in January 2026. Users must manually install the applications and grant permissions for the spyware to operate.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Google Messages may soon solve your dark viewfinder struggles

Google is introducing a feature called Low Light Boost for its messaging platform's in-app camera preview, aimed at improving visibility in dim lighting. This feature brightens the viewfinder in real-time, allowing users to frame their shots better before taking a photo. Low Light Boost adjusts brightness based on surrounding light conditions and operates instantly, unlike traditional Night Mode. There are two methods for implementing Low Light Boost: 1. Low-Light Boost AE Mode, a hardware-level auto-exposure mode available on devices running Android 15 or later, specifically on Pixel 10 devices. 2. Google Low Light Boost, a software-based solution (HDRNet) for devices that do not support AE mode, enhancing brightness through post-processing techniques. The latest beta version of Google Messages, v20260501, includes code hints for the integration of Low Light Boost, although it is not yet fully operational. The feature enhances the viewfinder experience but does not affect the quality of the final image, which requires a separate Night Mode.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Android 17 Tackles App Layout Issues on Foldables and Tablets

Google is enhancing app adaptability for larger devices with the upcoming release of Android 17, which aims to resolve issues with apps not adjusting layouts across different screen sizes. In previous versions, apps were limited by developer-defined rules, but Android 17 will override these settings for apps targeting API 37, allowing them to run in full-screen mode. Some exceptions may apply, particularly for gaming applications that require fixed screen ratios. The final version of Android 17 is expected to be released around mid-2026, with Samsung planning to launch its One UI 9 alongside new foldable devices.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

5 Android Features Google Recently Added To Your Phone

Google has introduced several new features in Android 16 to enhance user experience: - Material 3 Expressive: A new design language featuring vibrant colors, unique icon shapes, and animations, initially exclusive to Pixel devices but now available on other devices. - Advanced Protection Mode: A security feature that activates Google Play Protect, restricts app installations to the Play Store, and includes spam protection and low-security network blocking. - Live Updates: Provides real-time notifications in the status bar and lock screen for updates from selected applications, allowing users to stay informed without opening apps. - Support for 16 KB Page Sizes: Improves performance by allowing more data to be processed on a single page, reducing CPU demand and power consumption, while still supporting legacy 4 KB page sizes. - Quick Share Redesign: Transformed into a full-screen application with an intuitive interface, featuring large toggles and a built-in file picker for easier file sharing and progress indicators during transfers.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

I fixed my social media doomscrolling with this underrated Pixel feature

Many individuals are setting resolutions to reduce phone usage as they enter 2026, with a focus on managing addiction to social media platforms like X, Reddit, and Instagram. The Android Modes feature, updated in Android 15, allows Pixel users to customize usage settings to reduce distractions and has led to a noticeable decrease in social media time for many. The Pixel 10 Pro, running on Android 16, is highlighted for its capabilities and support for a more mindful digital experience.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Future Android Update Could Make Your Notifications More Private Than Ever

Android Authority has reported on a forthcoming App Lock feature expected to debut with Android 17, which will enhance user privacy by allowing management of app notification content. Code found in the January developer build of Android Canary 2601 indicates that while apps protected by App Lock will still send notifications, sensitive content will be obscured. Notifications may only show generic alerts like "New message" or "New notification." Users can secure individual apps with a password, PIN, or biometric lock, and can choose to disable notifications from locked apps entirely. This feature is anticipated to first appear on Google Pixel devices, with uncertain availability on other brands. App Lock will function even when the phone is unlocked, distinguishing it from existing privacy features like Private Space, which requires apps to be relocated to a secure area. Currently, developers implement their own app locks, but App Lock aims to provide a universal solution for securing any app on a device.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Android 16 Makes Split Screen Easier on Smaller Screens

The introduction of App Pairs in Android 15 allowed users to select two applications for split-screen usage and add a shortcut to the home screen. However, users with smaller devices faced challenges with the 50:50 split-screen ratio. Android 16 improved this by offering flexible split-screen ratios like 70:30 and 90:10, enhancing the multitasking experience. Users can set up a pairing of applications, such as Chrome and Gemini, with one app occupying 90% of the screen. To create an App Pair, users open the desired applications, access the multitasking view, select the split-screen option, and adjust the ratio by dragging the handle. After setting the preferred view, users can save the app pair for easy access, with the system remembering the last used split-screen ratio.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Android 16 made me fall back in love with split-screen and app pairs

Google introduced a feature called app pairs with Android 15, allowing users to save two apps as a single icon for simultaneous launching in split-screen mode. Initially available only on tablets, it expanded to devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other smartphones. Early users found the multi-window mode cumbersome due to limited display space. Android 16 improved this with a 90:10 split-screen mode, prioritizing one app while minimizing the other, enhancing multitasking on smaller displays. The ability to save app pairs streamlines launching two apps side-by-side. Users have found productivity benefits by pairing apps like Spotify with fitness trackers or productivity tools like Slack and Asana.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Google’s 2025 Android App Policy Overhaul: Safety and Privacy Focus

Google has announced a suite of policy updates for 2025 aimed at enhancing user safety, data privacy, and ecosystem integrity on the Android platform. Key changes include a revised Developer Distribution Agreement that imposes stricter requirements on app functionality, content moderation, and compliance with global regulations. Developers must now avoid misleading practices, obtain explicit consent for data usage, and implement age-gating mechanisms for apps with matchmaking, dating, or gambling functionalities by October 30, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, developers will be restricted to using the Age Signals API for age-appropriate experiences. In India, Google is aligning personal loan app requirements with local regulations, while monetization strategies are under scrutiny, with rules clarified around in-app purchases and advertisements. Developers will incur fees for linking to external payment systems. Mandatory developer verification will begin in 2026, and a global rollout of this verification is expected by 2027. To aid compliance, Google has integrated Policy Support into the Play Console and introduced mandatory testing for new apps. The updates also emphasize the importance of child safety and ethical considerations in app design, particularly regarding age-appropriate content and functionality. Google is enhancing its enforcement mechanisms and adapting policies to regional regulations while maintaining a cohesive global platform.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Android 17 will boost Xiaomi’s app lock security to a new level

Android 17 introduces a system app locking feature, enhancing mobile security with a new permission structure called LOCK_APPS, allowing only system apps and designated launchers to execute this functionality. This feature utilizes the Biometric Prompt API for user authentication via fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Users can lock or unlock apps by long-pressing the app icon on the launcher, which sends a SETAPPLOCK request to Android's core security service. The app lock will only be available on handheld devices, excluding Android Automotive, Wear OS, and Android TV. The feature is expected to debut later in the rollout of Android 17, benefiting Xiaomi devices and HyperOS.