system app Archives

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android Automotive Adds PIN Lock for Apps

Google is enhancing its Android Automotive platform with a feature called Sensitive App Protection, which allows drivers to secure individual applications with a PIN lock. This feature ensures that sensitive information remains confidential in shared vehicle environments by enabling drivers to restrict access to specific apps while allowing passengers to manage entertainment options. Users can set a unique 4- to 16-digit code for app locks, and recovery is possible via a linked Google Account, although it may involve deleting the locked apps or their data. Most apps from the Play Store can be locked, except for certain system apps like Assistant, Maps, and Settings, which remain accessible. The feature is being rolled out as an unbundled system app, meaning automakers must choose to integrate it, and it will be available through over-the-air updates for vehicles equipped with Google services from various manufacturers. Automakers are expected to restrict PIN entry while the vehicle is in motion for safety reasons.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Google’s making a silly and annoying change to how you uninstall system app updates

Google has removed the option for Android users to uninstall updates for system apps directly through the Play Store. Users can no longer click an uninstall button within app listings, and only an open button is available. This change affects devices running Play Store versions from 49.1.32-31 to 49.2.25-31, including system apps that do not appear in the app drawer, such as Android Auto and Pixel Camera Services. Users must now access app settings through the device's main settings menu to uninstall updates, which complicates app management. This change follows Google's recent enhancements allowing remote uninstallation of apps from multiple devices, raising questions about the rationale behind the removal of the uninstall option for system app updates.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Google Makes Uninstalling System App Updates More Complicated Than It Needs to Be

Google has removed the "Uninstall updates" button from the Play Store interface for core system apps, requiring users to navigate through the Settings app to roll back updates. This change affects several key system applications, including Android Auto, Android System WebView, and Pixel Camera Services. Users can now only find an "Open" button in the Play Store for these apps. To uninstall updates, users must long-press the app icon, select "App info," tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Uninstall updates." This alteration adds complexity to the process of reverting to earlier app versions.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Android 17 will boost Xiaomi’s app lock security to a new level

Android 17 introduces a system app locking feature, enhancing mobile security with a new permission structure called LOCK_APPS, allowing only system apps and designated launchers to execute this functionality. This feature utilizes the Biometric Prompt API for user authentication via fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Users can lock or unlock apps by long-pressing the app icon on the launcher, which sends a SETAPPLOCK request to Android's core security service. The app lock will only be available on handheld devices, excluding Android Automotive, Wear OS, and Android TV. The feature is expected to debut later in the rollout of Android 17, benefiting Xiaomi devices and HyperOS.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

‘Unremovable Israeli spyware’ on your Samsung phone? Here’s what the controversy is all about

Samsung is facing controversy over a pre-installed application called AppCloud on its budget devices, particularly in the Galaxy A, M, and F series. AppCloud recommends popular third-party applications during setup or updates, but many users consider it bloatware due to its inability to be uninstalled. The app is associated with ironSource, a company owned by Unity, which has raised concerns about potential data harvesting and surveillance, particularly in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and India. A social media post characterized AppCloud as “unremovable Israeli spyware,” referencing an analysis by the digital rights organization SMEX. The app operates with system app permissions, complicating removal for average users. IronSource has a history of bundling applications that have been criticized for monetization without user consent. While claims about AppCloud's spying capabilities are unverified, the app's presence and removal difficulties have unsettled users, leading to speculation that Samsung may eventually allow users to uninstall or disable it.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

QuickStep App: Android’s Default Launcher Guide

The QuickStep App is the default launcher on many Android devices, managing the home screen interface and app interactions. It allows users to open and switch between apps, customize the home screen, add widgets or shortcuts, access the app drawer, and use gestures for quick actions. QuickStep is pre-installed, integrates with the system for smoother performance, is battery efficient, and receives consistent updates from Google or device manufacturers. It is essential for maintaining an easy-to-use interface, faster multitasking, smoother animations, and reducing app crashes. Users should not uninstall QuickStep, as it is a core system component, although they can set a different launcher as default. To optimize the QuickStep experience, users are advised to keep their Android updated, use gesture navigation, organize apps, customize widgets, and avoid clutter.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Finally Can Lightly Theme All of Your App Icons

Google has introduced "Auto-Themed App Icons" in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, allowing users to customize their home screens with three options: "Default," which keeps original icon colors; "Minimal," which adapts icons to the phone's theme and applies a light color mask to unsupported apps; and a non-functional "Create" button that may lead to additional customization features in future updates.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Here’s why you can’t rate that system app in the Google Play Store

Google has introduced minimalistic app listings for certain system services in the Play Store, focusing on essential details and removing reviews and ratings to reduce user frustration and prevent review-bombing. This new format is being rolled out and is noticeable when users explore their installed apps, although it may not appear in standard searches.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google Play Services could soon make tracking system app updates much easier (APK teardown)

Google is introducing a new "System services" section within Google Play Services to streamline the tracking of updates for essential Android system applications. This feature aims to help users distinguish between regular app updates and important system app updates, addressing confusion about the status of core system components. An APK teardown of Google Play Services v25.11.32 beta has revealed references to this section, which will notify users of available updates and direct them to the Google Play Store. The app listings for core system applications will also be simplified to focus on essential information, reducing user confusion and improving understanding of system app updates. The "System services" page and updated app listings are not yet live but represent a step towards enhancing user trust and clarity regarding system app updates.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

The least used app on my Android phone is… the Google app?!

The Google app, launched over 15 years ago, enhances mobile search capabilities on Android devices and serves multiple essential functions, including powering the search widget, the Discover feed, Circle to Search, Google Lens, the Saved tab, and ad personalization options. A poll indicates that 34% of users utilize the app daily, 9% use it often, 16% rarely, and 41% never use it. Despite its perceived redundancy, the app is an uninstallable system app, crucial for maintaining various Android features and functionalities.