Android update Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Android 16 is here

Today marks the rollout of Android 16, initially available for supported Pixel devices, with plans to extend to additional phone brands later this year. This release is the earliest launch of a major Android update in recent years. Android 16 introduces the new Material 3 Expressive design, focusing on accessibility and user-friendliness. It features streamlined notifications and real-time updates for food deliveries, initially with compatible ride-share and food delivery applications. This capability is being integrated into Samsung’s Now Bar and the Live Alerts features on OPPO and OnePlus devices.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Pixel VIPs, Android 16 and more updates in the June Pixel Drop

The June Pixel Drop introduces significant enhancements to Pixel devices, including the rollout of Android 16 and the new Pixel VIPs feature. This feature allows users to designate important contacts as VIPs, enabling easy access to recent interactions, shared locations, and event updates like birthdays. VIPs can bypass Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring users remain reachable. Sensitive information, such as call logs and message content, is securely stored on the device.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Google Unveils Exciting Enhancements Coming to the Native Phone App for Android Users!

The latest update to the Phone by Google Android app includes larger text and images for callers, redesigned oval buttons, and the removal of the "Call from" text during incoming calls. The caller's phone number remains visible even after the call is answered, and the end button has been redesigned into a pill shape to reduce accidental presses. These changes aim to enhance usability and create a more intuitive user experience.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Fairphone 4 skips Android 14, gets Android 15 instead

Fairphone has announced that the Android 14 update for the Fairphone 4 will not be released as planned, and the company will instead focus on upgrading directly to Android 15 due to delays and challenges in delivering a stable Android 14 version. Fairphone 4 users were expecting the Android 14 update early this year, but the company cited limited resources as a reason for bypassing it. Fairphone has committed to improving communication with users during the upgrade process, though no specific timeline for Android 15 has been provided. The Fairphone 4, launched in 2023, was initially set to receive the Android 14 update. Fairphone has acknowledged user frustration over the delays and is actively working on the Android 15 upgrade while encouraging users to engage with community forums for updates. Additionally, the Fairphone 5, which launched with Android 13, is promised at least five OS updates and eight years of software and security updates.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Android 16 is just right

Android 16 has been unveiled at Google I/O, introducing significant enhancements to the Google Play Store and various Google applications. The update features a visual refresh with Material 3 Expressive while maintaining a seamless user experience for those transitioning from Android 15. The developer community has expressed satisfaction with the update, indicating improved communication and collaboration from Google. The anticipated QPR1 update will bring additional cosmetic improvements. The Android 16 QPR1 beta is available for select devices, including the Pixel 9a, with Samsung rumored to prepare for an early rollout.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Android 16 could bring Identity Check to more smartphones

The Identity Check feature has been observed on the OnePlus 13 operating with the Android 16 beta, indicating an expansion of its availability beyond select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. This feature adds a layer of security for devices outside designated trusted locations and requires a comprehensive system update due to modifications in Android's biometric prompt code. Users can find the Identity Check option in the Settings > Google > Theft Protection menu after upgrading to Android 16. To use Identity Check, users must authenticate their identity through biometric means, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, when accessing sensitive information outside a trusted environment. The feature was initially introduced with Android 15 QPR1 for Pixel devices and is expected to be adopted by other manufacturers. It may not be enabled by default and will be compatible with devices equipped with class three biometric hardware.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Google rolls out Android 16 Beta 3.1 patch with crucial bug fixes

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 3.1 update, focusing on bug fixes rather than new features. This update addresses a crash issue in the Settings app, particularly when the device's language is set to anything other than English, and resolves performance-related problems, including excessive battery drain due to high CPU load and memory leaks in the system server. The update retains enhancements from the previous Android 16 Beta 3 release, such as Auracast support for wireless hearing aids and improved accessibility options. The update is available for enrolled devices and can be checked in the Settings under System > Software Update.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Samsung confirms two Health app updates for Galaxy as we spring forward

Samsung will introduce two new features for its Health app on Galaxy phones later this month to help users manage the transition to Daylight Savings Time. The first feature, the Sleep Environment Report, will analyze factors like room temperature and humidity to improve sleep quality. The second feature, an Activity Consistency metric, will enhance the Health app's Energy Score, allowing users to track their daily activity levels and health trends over the past four weeks. These updates are designed for devices running One UI 7, starting with the Galaxy S25 series, with a broader rollout expected in April.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Samsung Announces End of Samsung Members Support for Android 7 Devices in 2025

Effective April 1, 2025, the Samsung Members app will no longer support devices running Android 7 (Nougat OS). Users with these devices must upgrade to at least Android 8.0 (Oreo OS) to continue accessing the app's services. OS updates depend on the specific model and compatibility of the device. Users should check for system updates by navigating to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install. Upgrading not only maintains access to the app but also provides new features and services.

Winsage

December 15, 2024

Android 15 is preventing Windows Phone Link from showing certain notifications

Phone Link app users may experience changes in notification visibility due to a new feature in Android 15 that restricts access to sensitive notifications for privacy reasons. Notifications containing sensitive details, such as two-factor authentication codes, will not be displayed unless the application has the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. This permission is typically granted to system apps and some trusted third-party companion applications. Phone Link, categorized as a third-party app, is expected to request the necessary permissions to access sensitive notifications, but this will only occur for users with Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1 or later.