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Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 was released on September 15, 2026, with a public rollout for Pixel devices starting the next day. This beta version enhances the Proactive Assistance feature on Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices, allowing users more control over personalized suggestions and addressing various bugs. It is a development build for supported Pixel devices and Android Emulator images, with identified builds CP41.260828.004.A8 and CP41.260828.005.A6, and a security patch level dated August 5, 2026. The update package size for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is approximately 667 MB. The notable change in Beta 5 is the introduction of two Proactive Assistance entries in the Settings menu, allowing users to manage proactive suggestions more effectively. The updated settings page includes a "Use app content for suggestions" option, enabling users to control which applications can share screen content and notifications. Google's release notes list several fixes, including issues with Bluetooth device icons, unexpected reboots, missing volume controls, search-field highlight rendering, unlocking Private Space, HDR behavior, Google Wallet touchscreen unresponsiveness, camera crashes, and distorted Bluetooth call audio. The stable release of Android 17 QPR2 is expected in December 2026, and users are advised that Beta 5 is a developmental tool that may contain errors. Additionally, new restrictions on programmatic USSD requests for call forwarding have been introduced to reduce potential fraud.
Google Pixel: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Released
AppWizard
September 17, 2026

Google Pixel: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Released

On September 15, 2026, Google released the beta OS update "Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5" for Google Pixel devices in the Android Beta Program. This update includes support for new Pixel devices: "Pixel 11," "Pixel 11 Pro," "Pixel 11 Pro XL," and "Pixel 11 Pro Fold," while excluding "Pixel 6" and "Pixel 6 Pro." The update is distributed via Over-the-Air (OTA) to 23 models, including "Pixel 6a," "Pixel 7," and "Pixel 8 Pro." Key features include "Call Forwarding Hardening," which restricts access to call-forwarding USSD codes to enhance security against scams. The update also includes eight bug fixes, addressing issues with Bluetooth device type display, unexpected reboots, volume slider UI, text rendering, Private Space unlocking, HDR mode, Camera app crashes, and Bluetooth audio distortion. The build number changes to "CP41.260828.004.A8" or "CP41.260828.005.A6," with the Android security patch level updated to "August 5, 2026," and "Google Play services" upgraded to version 26.28.33 or later.
Android Advanced Protection to Roll Out Granular “Expert Features”: App Teardown
AppWizard
September 16, 2026

Android Advanced Protection to Roll Out Granular “Expert Features”: App Teardown

A new feature called "expert mode" is being introduced to enhance the "Advanced Protection" framework for Android users, allowing them to toggle specific security features individually. Users will be able to manage six distinct items within the Advanced Protection suite: Intrusion logging, USB protection, Block auto-connection to unsecured Wi-Fi, Unknown apps, Spam filter, and Suspicious links in Google Messages. The "expert features" will not replace "Advanced Protection" but will provide users with the option to enable all protections at once or selectively activate specific features. While "Block auto-connection to unsecured Wi-Fi" will debut with "expert features," the inclusion of "Unknown apps," "Spam filter," and "Suspicious links in Google Messages" in the final version remains uncertain. The relevant resource for updates is the "Google Play services" app, version v26.36, released on September 15, 2026.
Google rolls out Motion Assist bubbles to Pixel, Samsung
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Google rolls out Motion Assist bubbles to Pixel, Samsung

Google has introduced the Motion Assist feature for Pixel and Samsung devices running Android 17, designed to reduce motion sickness during travel. Users can activate it by searching for "motion assist" in the Settings app or through the Quick Settings editor on Pixel devices. The feature can automatically activate in moving vehicles, and users can add a Quick Settings Tile for manual control. Once enabled, it displays two columns of shapes on the screen. Customization options include color, shape, opacity, and randomization. Motion Assist is available on all Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy (Fold 8 series) devices with Android 17, and users should restart their phones if the feature does not appear. The bubbles require version 26.33.32 of Google Play services.
Android System Services Blackout Issue: Mid-September 2026
AppWizard
September 13, 2026

Android System Services Blackout Issue: Mid-September 2026

As of mid-September 2026, Android devices are experiencing a blackout of the “System Services” settings page, which is completely blank. Users are also facing similar issues in the “Google Play Store,” where pages for applications like “Google Play services” are not displaying correctly. This problem has been observed across several devices, including the “Pixel 10,” “Pixel 10 Pro XL,” “Pixel 11 Pro XL,” “Pixel 9a,” and “Nothing Phone (3a),” but does not affect larger-screen devices such as the “Pixel Tablet,” “Pixel 10 Pro Fold,” and “Pixel 11 Pro Fold.”
Android can now move passwords and passkeys between password managers
AppWizard
September 11, 2026

Android can now move passwords and passkeys between password managers

Google has integrated a password manager transfer feature into the Android operating system, allowing users to move passwords and passkeys between compatible applications without exporting an unencrypted CSV file. This feature is available for devices running Android 8 and later, including users in the UAE. It supports popular password managers such as Google Password Manager, 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane, with more providers expected to join. The transfer process involves selecting the import or copy option in the new password manager app, where Android identifies compatible managers and users authorize the transfer. This functionality operates through Google Play Services, requiring no separate Android version update.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
September 10, 2026

Android makes switching password managers much easier

The process of transferring passwords and passkeys between supported applications on Android has been streamlined, allowing for direct transfers between compatible password managers without the need for exporting data to unencrypted files. Android's built-in password manager facilitates these transfers by automatically detecting compatible managers on the device. This new capability is available for devices running Android 10 or newer with the latest Play Services update, while Bitwarden users need Android 14 or later and Play Services version 26.21 or higher. The introduction of the Cross-Platform Transfer (CXP) feature enhances security and encourages the adoption of passkeys, which have seen a 500% increase in creation according to Bitwarden. Nearly half of all passkeys were generated in the past three months. Google plans to add more partners to this feature in the future.
Google Wallet for Android Gains NFC Support for Importing Physical Transit Cards
AppWizard
September 8, 2026

Google Wallet for Android Gains NFC Support for Importing Physical Transit Cards

Google has updated the Android version of the "Google Wallet" app, introducing a feature that allows users to import passes and balances from physical transit cards using NFC capabilities. This feature is designed to simplify the transfer of transit card information into the app and will be compatible with select transit systems. Popular Japanese transit IC cards like “Suica” and “PASMO” are already integrated with Google Wallet and may not be included in this new feature. The update requires the Android “Google Play services” app version 26.35 or later and includes a refreshed “Card added” screen with an improved user interface.
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