system app Archives

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.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

Google Play Store not showing Android system app updates [U]

The Google Play Store is experiencing an issue where updates for system-level applications are not appearing in the Pending downloads section, despite users receiving notifications for available updates. Users can still find the "Update" option when visiting the app's listing directly in the Play Store. This problem affects several common Google applications, including pre-installed apps like YouTube and the Google Partner Setup application, which is essential for devices using Google Mobile Services and cannot be disabled or deleted. Devices running Android 7 or earlier will not receive updates for this app. Additionally, the Data Restore Tool requires direct access via a link on the Play Store for updates, as it does not show in the Installed list. The issue suggests a potential change in how Google manages updates for system applications, similar to the automatic updates for Google Play Services. Users who have disabled auto-updates must manually check for updates through the app listings.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Google Keep May Become a System App in Android 16

Google Keep is transitioning into a system app on Android 16 devices, as seen in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2, where it is listed as a pre-installed application that cannot be uninstalled without root access. This change positions Google Keep alongside essential system applications like Phone, Contacts, and the Google Play Store. The app recently gained compatibility with Google Tasks, indicating a renewed focus on enhancing its functionality within the Android ecosystem. Future updates are expected to further integrate Google Keep as a key productivity tool on the platform.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google Keep might become an essential Android app

Google Keep may soon be classified as a core system app in the Android ecosystem, as indicated in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2. This change means that users upgrading to this version will find Google Keep integrated into their devices and it will become uninstallable without root access. Earlier this year, Google integrated Keep with its Tasks feature, streamlining note and reminder management. The promotion of Keep to a system app suggests a renewed commitment to its development and potential introduction of advanced features. Users can expect quicker updates, enhanced performance, and innovative features, but those who do not wish to use Google Keep will be unable to remove it without rooting their devices.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Android 16 may promote this Google app to a core app that cannot be uninstalled

Google Keep is set to become a system app in Android 16's Developer Preview 2, meaning it will no longer be uninstallable, although users can disable it. This change aligns with Google's plans to introduce a new lock screen notes feature. As a system app, Google Keep will be integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, alongside other core applications. The anticipated lock screen note-taking feature is expected to debut with Android 15, allowing users to take notes without unlocking their devices.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google Keep set to be a de facto system app on Android 16

Google Keep will transition to a system app in Android 16, as reported by Android Police. This change means it will be pre-installed on devices running Android 16 and cannot be removed through standard methods. The designation as a system app grants Google Keep enhanced privileges, allowing it to access features and data unavailable to third-party applications. Users may also see new functionalities, such as the ability to take notes directly from the lock screen, due to this transition.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Samsung reminds people it has an app store by offering three months of Peacock to Galaxy users

Samsung is offering a complimentary three-month subscription to Peacock for new customers who download the Peacock app from the Galaxy Store. This promotion is available exclusively to new subscribers, and existing users must create a new account to qualify. Users can redeem the offer until June 4, 2025, and must uninstall any previously downloaded Peacock app from the Google Play Store before reinstalling it from the Galaxy Store. Samsung is also collaborating with Netflix for an exclusive preview of Squid Game season 2 and plans future promotions with Spotify. The Galaxy Store aims to attract users following the loss of titles like Fortnite and to establish a revenue stream through its 30% commission on purchases.