developer APIs Archives

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Android 17 may finally add the native App Lock feature Pixel users have been waiting for

The upcoming Android 17 update is expected to introduce a native App Lock feature, addressing the lack of built-in app locking solutions for Pixel users. Currently, Android's Private Space feature is cumbersome and not user-friendly, leading many to rely on third-party app lockers, which pose security risks. The new App Lock feature, hinted at in the recent Android Canary build, will include an App Lock API requiring specific permissions and will be accessible to all launchers. It aims to provide a more secure and reliable option for locking apps, potentially utilizing the Biometric Prompt API for authentication. However, the feature is not yet active and is unlikely to be released with the upcoming Android 16 quarterly update, with the earliest expectation for availability being with Android 17. Additionally, it remains uncertain how notifications from locked apps will be managed regarding content visibility.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Android 17 Min Mode turns AOD into a live app canvas

Most Android devices now have an always-on display (AOD) feature, which allows users to view the time and notifications without unlocking their phones. Google is developing a new feature called "Min Mode" for Android 17, which will enable apps to integrate with AOD by rendering minimal user interfaces on the low-power display. Min Mode will not replace the traditional AOD but will function as an additional mode, allowing for a full-screen application surface while maintaining low brightness and refresh rates. Apps can activate Min Mode by defining a MinModeActivity in their AndroidManifest and communicating with a MinModeProvider in SystemUI. This feature aims to provide glanceable, battery-efficient experiences for applications that typically drain battery life. Early indications suggest that Google Maps may be the first app to implement Min Mode, with relevant code already identified. The feature is expected to be available in Android 17, as it is currently disabled at the system level and is not anticipated to be included in Android 16 QPR3.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Android 17 could bring full-screen apps to your phone’s always-on display

Google is developing a new feature called Min Mode for Android 17, designed to enhance the Always-On Display (AOD) functionality. Min Mode allows applications to showcase minimal, persistent interfaces while conserving battery life by operating within an ultra-low-power display state. It enables apps to present a full-screen interface when the device is idle and is integrated within the SystemUI package. Developers can register a “MinModeActivity” in their app's Manifest file to activate this feature. To prevent screen burn-in, the system shifts pixels every 60 seconds. Google Maps is expected to be one of the first applications to implement this feature, adopting a minimalist power-saving mode. Min Mode is anticipated to be introduced as a new developer API with the release of Android 17.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

What’s new in Android’s October 2025 Google System Updates [U]

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” detail updates for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Features may target end users or developers, and their presence in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Key updates include: - Google Play services v25.42 introduces new developer APIs for multi-device experiences and enhanced device connectivity. - Google Wallet has a revamped user interface for feedback and now supports provisioning a Wavelynx corporate badge. - Android WebView v142 includes security and privacy enhancements and new developer features for web content display. - Google Play services v25.41 adds developer features for ads, allows mobile reCAPTCHA verification, and enables users to add cards through issuer apps. - Google Play Store v48.5 allows personalized app content viewing and in-app purchases in Mongolia. - Android System Intelligence V.39 includes maintenance and bug fixes. - Google Play services v25.40 supports Maps-related processes and allows pairing of LE Audio devices. - Google Play services v25.39 introduces Quick Start for supervised accounts and updates to user journeys and profile picture design.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Pixel users tipped to gain control over its automatic volume adjustment

Google is developing a new settings page called "Hearing Wellness" for Pixel users, which will integrate Android's Sound Exposure and Hearing Health options. This feature will allow devices to automatically adjust volume levels when they exceed safe thresholds, with users having the option to enable or disable this automatic volume reduction. The initiative responds to user feedback regarding dissatisfaction with previous automatic adjustments for regulatory compliance. The new interface includes toggles for Sound Exposure notifications and Hearing Health. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 has been released for enrolled Pixel devices, introducing enhancements like an expanded dark theme and auto-themed icons, as well as new developer APIs.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google releases Android 16 Developer Preview 1

Google has launched the first Developer Preview of Android 16 for developers to begin early-stage development and testing. This release may have performance issues and applications may not function flawlessly. Android 16 includes system changes that could lead to minor glitches or significant limitations until applications are updated for compatibility. Google plans to implement more frequent API releases, with a major launch expected in Q2 2025, and a minor update projected for Q4 2025. Developers will need to conduct annual compatibility testing earlier due to this new timeline. The SDKINTFULL constant has been introduced for version checks, and developers are encouraged to provide feedback on the APIs. Notable features in the preview include an embedded photo picker and Health Connect APIs for managing medical records. The Developer Preview can be installed on various Google Pixel devices, but stability and performance issues may arise, making it unsuitable for daily use. Known issues include app launch failures and camera problems during video recording. The preview lacks Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) approval, which may affect the performance of some applications, including Google’s native apps.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Here’s how Android’s faster release schedule will affect Android apps

Google plans to implement more frequent updates to its Android release strategy starting in 2025, coinciding with the launch of Android 16 in the second quarter. A minor update, Android 16 QPR2, is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 and will introduce new developer APIs along with feature updates, optimizations, and bug fixes. Historically, major Android versions were released annually with quarterly platform releases focusing on new features rather than API introductions. The last QPR that included new APIs was in 2022 with Android 12L. Developers will need to monitor both major and minor SDK versions, as the major SDK version will increment with the major release while the minor SDK version will increase with each minor release. Developers are not required to support minor releases, and the Google Play Store will maintain existing target API level requirements focused on annual major releases. New APIs from minor releases will carry over into subsequent major updates.