Android updates Archives

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

LG will shut down update servers for its Android smartphones on June 30

LG will officially terminate software updates for all its smartphones on June 30, 2025. This includes the cessation of the mobile phone software upgrade service (FOTA), update center, and LG Bridge service. Users are advised to upgrade their software before this deadline, as no further updates will be provided after that date.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Google releases new Android System updates with battery life improvements

Google Play services v25.13 introduces updates to improve battery life and connectivity across various Android devices, including Android Auto, PCs, phones, TVs, and Wear OS devices. Google Wallet now allows users to add nicknames to their passes. The Android System Intelligence v.23 update includes logging for Adaptive Sound and code optimization for Smart Dictation. The Google Play Store will implement verified badges for select VPN applications to enhance user trust and safety.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Android 15 blocked Phone Link from mirroring sensitive notifications, but Microsoft has a fix

Microsoft's Phone Link app can now mirror sensitive notifications from Android devices to Windows PCs after the Android 15 update had initially restricted this capability. The Android 15 update classified two-factor authentication codes as sensitive, blocking their visibility to most notification listeners, including Phone Link. To access sensitive notifications, Phone Link must be preinstalled on the device and granted the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. Users with devices that have Link to Windows preinstalled, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, can grant permission to restore full functionality. For devices without the preinstalled app, workarounds include disabling Android System Intelligence notification processing or manually granting permissions.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Here’s why Google is finally making big changes to Android updates in 2025

At MWC 2025, Google discussed its plans for Android 16, which will launch earlier than usual, specifically in Q2, allowing users to expect the update by June. The company aims to streamline Android updates and enhance support from OEMs, with a focus on longer software support. The Pixel series promises seven years of OS upgrades and security patches, and a collaboration with Qualcomm could extend this support to eight years for devices using Snapdragon 8 Elite and future 8-series and 7-series chips. Google is committed to improving the quality of updates, ensuring they enhance device performance.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Google will show off some of Android 16’s tricks as it gears for early release

Google's Head of Android announced that Android 16 is scheduled for a June release, utilizing the 'Trunk Stable' development process. Sameer Samat, President of the Android ecosystem, expressed optimism about the progress and bug count of Android 16. Google plans to unveil several features from the update before its release but is still deciding on the rollout strategy. Speculation suggests that Samsung may skip incremental updates and move directly to One UI 8 due to delays with One UI 7, which is expected in April.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Qualcomm and Google just announced a major update to Android updates

Qualcomm has partnered with Google to provide up to eight years of software updates for devices with Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets. Devices like the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and Asus ROG Phone 9 will receive this extended support. Google's Pixel 8 series will offer seven years of updates with its Tensor chipsets. The implementation of these updates is determined by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung and OnePlus. Qualcomm aims to enhance user experiences and provide flexibility for OEMs, potentially allowing mid-range devices with 7-series chips to receive similar support as premium models. Older devices without the latest chipsets will not benefit from this initiative. Qualcomm will continue to work with OEMs to support legacy platforms.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is here with battery life and performance upgrades

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, one month after the first, indicating a faster rollout with a stable version expected in Q2 2025. The update enhances app performance, battery life, and provides new tools for developers to diagnose issues like slow startups and app freezes. It includes a built-in photo picker for cloud images, Wi-Fi 6 integration for location-based functionalities, tools for monitoring activity intensity and managing health records, and custom animations for navigation. The first beta is anticipated in January 2025, and Google plans two major Android updates in 2025, with the first introducing significant changes and the second focusing on smaller improvements. Incremental updates will continue to be released quarterly.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Android 15 users facing notification bug on Windows Phone Link app

Android 15 users are experiencing issues with the Windows Phone Link app after a recent update, which limits the app's ability to display certain notifications. The update automatically hides notifications from untrusted apps to protect sensitive information, restricting third-party applications from accessing notifications deemed "sensitive," such as two-factor authentication codes. Only trusted or system applications can access these notifications. While the Phone Link app can bypass this restriction on Samsung devices with One UI 6.1.1 or later, users of other Android devices are facing challenges and have found common troubleshooting methods ineffective. Users are hoping for a resolution in future updates from Google.

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.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Android 16 release: New features, floating app windows likely to arrive in…

Android 16 is expected to debut between April and June 2025, with a specific launch date of June 3, 2025, when it will be available on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Pixel users will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update on the same date. The update will introduce features such as "Rich Ongoing Notifications," allowing third-party developers to customize notifications, and a "bubble anything" function for multitasking, enabling users to operate apps in floating windows. Google's expedited release schedule aims to meet the demand for faster software updates and align better with device launches.