Android Canary Archives

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Samsung phones could finally get proper app lock with One UI 9.5

Samsung's One UI 9.5 will introduce an app lock feature that enhances user privacy by allowing applications to be secured with a PIN or biometric authentication. Users can activate the app lock by pressing and holding an app icon in the app drawer, where a padlock icon will appear. Accessing locked apps will require biometric verification or the device's screen lock, and once locked, the app's widgets and shortcuts will be removed from the home screen, with notifications concealed. However, content from locked apps will still be accessible to other applications with prior permissions. Currently, Samsung devices offer the Secure Folder feature, which has limitations, as it creates a cloned version of the app while leaving the original accessible. The new app lock feature is similar to the one introduced in Android Canary 2608, indicating a possible influence on Samsung's development.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Android Canary 2608 lets you customize Quick Settings layout on Pixel

Google has released the Android Canary build version 2608, which allows users to customize the Quick Settings layout. The build, ZP11.260717.006, includes the August 2026 security patch and is compatible with various Pixel devices, including Pixel 10a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 9a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 8a, 8, 8 Pro, 7a, 7 Pro, 7, 6a, 6 Pro, 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. This will be the final release for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and transitioning to stable production releases will require flashing the most recent production build, which involves a data wipe. The update also features AI-generated lockscreen clocks and a returning app lock feature, accessible through Settings > Settings & privacy > Privacy > App lock. Users can customize the Quick Settings layout by tapping the pencil icon and accessing a new “Layout” tab, allowing for reordering of the Brightness bar, Tiles, and Media player with six possible combinations.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Android’s upcoming ‘App Handles’ will bring clever multitasking to Pixel Fold [Video]

Google has introduced a new feature called “App Handles” in its latest Android Canary build, designed for foldable devices like the Pixel Fold series. This feature allows users to manage applications more flexibly by pinning them to the taskbar for quick access without disrupting the main content on the screen. Users can open apps, such as the Calculator, in a pop-up window while using other applications in full-screen mode. The feature supports multiple apps simultaneously, indicated by a “+” button next to the app icon. Currently, “App Handles” is available only in Android Canary build 2608, with plans for broader rollout in future updates.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Google’s Terminal app is next in line for an icon makeover

Android Canary 2608 has introduced a redesigned icon for Google’s Terminal app, featuring a modern, boxy aesthetic while retaining the classic “>” and “-” symbols. The new icon resembles the Google Sheets icon but uses a darker green palette. The existing Terminal icon has a nostalgic design with neon green symbols on a dark green backdrop. The redesign enhances visual appeal and integrates Terminal more seamlessly with other Google applications, though the app's functionality remains unchanged. There is currently no timeline for the broader rollout of the new icon.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Google is bringing back native app lock for Android, but not for everyone yet

The latest Android Canary release introduces a new feature that allows users to lock multiple apps simultaneously through the settings menu, enhancing the app lock functionality. This feature is accessible under Settings > Security & privacy > App lock and allows users to organize locked apps in a list view. Once locked, apps will not display notification content, and their widgets and shortcuts will be hidden, although AI agents can still access their data if previously permitted. Users need to enter a PIN or use biometric authentication to access locked apps, which will also remain hidden from the recents menu. This development positions Google alongside competitors like Xiaomi and vivo, who offer similar features.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Worried about status bar clutter with Android Halo? Google may let you clean it up

In Android Canary 2607, Google is developing a new "Status bar" settings section that will allow users to manage the visibility of specific system and notification icons. Notable features include the ability to toggle off the Android Halo AI assistant icon and a new option to hide the mute icon, similar to the existing option for the vibration icon. The settings will include toggles for showing the assistant agent in the status bar and controlling mute icon visibility. The Android Halo icon will only be visible on devices that support the unannounced "Agent Task" feature, which is distinct from Gemini Intelligence. These features are still in development and not yet available to the public.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Google is bringing a long-awaited dialer update to Android

Google is testing a new feature for Android that allows users to dial contacts directly from their default phone dialer app for VoIP calls through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger. This feature, found in the Phone by Google app settings, enables third-party applications to integrate into the call history, allowing users to make VoIP calls without switching apps. It utilizes Android's telecom framework to display VoIP calls alongside traditional cellular calls. The feature is expected to be available on devices running Android 16.1 and above.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Android’s Linux Terminal now lets you max out performance, but at a cost

Android's built-in Linux Terminal app is set to receive an upgrade with new options for adjusting image quality and performance, particularly beneficial for users in desktop mode. The latest Android 17 QPR1 beta 1 introduces a setting to adjust the Terminal's resolution, offering three choices: Full (prioritizes visual quality), Half (balances performance and visibility), and Quarter (maximizes performance at the cost of visual fidelity). Users can access these options through Settings > Advanced. The update also includes a full-screen button to hide navigation and status bars, and a redesigned toolbar in a pill-shaped floating bar at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, a feature to limit memory usage is being tested for future stable rollout in Android 17.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Android May Soon Get Native App Locks for Smarter Privacy and Protection

Google is testing a native App Locks feature for Android in the latest Canary 2603 build, allowing users to lock any app from its menu with a fingerprint or PIN for added security. This feature also hides notifications, removes widgets, and disables shortcuts for locked apps, enhancing privacy. While currently in testing and potentially buggy, it offers a more flexible alternative to the existing Private Space feature. Additionally, Google is exploring other enhancements like toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, app bubbling options, and a new screen recording tool.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Wi-Fi & Mobile data toggles

Google has released Android Canary channel version 2603, which includes the March 2026 security patch for various Pixel devices. Key features of this update include a redesigned screen recording interface, enhanced system UI with increased blur effects, separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, and new options for App lock and Bubbles accessible through a long-press on apps. The screen recording feature allows users to record the entire screen or a single app, with options to manage audio and touch visibility. The update aims to improve usability and functionality for developers and users.