Screenshot from Google of its Advanced Protection feature on an Android device. Image: Google
The Android operating system, currently installed on billions of devices across the globe, is receiving some significant security enhancements.
Ahead of Google I/O’s official start, the Android team previewed several new software upgrades and enhancements to the Android mobile operating system during the Android Show: I/O Edition.
“As the world’s most popular OS with more than 3 billion active devices in over 190 countries, it’s an exciting time for Android,” said Sameer Samat, president of Google’s Android ecosystem, in a recent blog post.
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Unknown callers can be more than an inconvenience; they can be malicious. With Android 16, users will now receive warnings whenever an unknown caller attempts to trick them into harmful actions, such as clicking malicious links, downloading fraudulent apps, or sharing sensitive information via screen share.
The Google and Android development teams are strengthening protections against fraud and scams. While they’ve implemented anti-fraud measures in the past, the RCS-based Google Messages app now features AI-driven safeguards targeting various fraud types, including:
Google has introduced new anti-theft measures to Android phones in recent years. In December 2024, Google launched Identity Check, a feature requiring biometric authentication to change certain system settings; this will roll out to more devices when Android 16 becomes publicly available. While such measures do not prevent theft, they make it more difficult to use or resell stolen phones.
SEE: Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview (I/O Edition) Outperforms OpenAI, DeepSeek Models
Despite existing safeguards, some harmful apps evade detection. Google Play Protect, which is designed to block malicious apps from the Play Store, is being enhanced in the coming months for users of Google Pixel 6+. These upgrades target apps with hidden or altered icons and broaden the service’s coverage to detect more types of unsafe or malicious apps.
Instead of the Find My Device feature, Android users will have the new Find Hub, which will simplify tracking lost friends, family members, and personal property. Find Hub is set to gain satellite connectivity in late 2025, enabling its use without a cellular connection.
We’ll be covering more Google, Android, and AI news, including perhaps security-related enhancements, during the Google I/O developer conference that starts on May 20, 2025.
J.R. Johnivan is a technology writer and computer repair professional with 20 years of experience. His work explores emerging technologies, including next-generation LLMs, their societal impact, and how they can improve professional workflows. He began writing while studying computer networking, eventually combining his passion for technology with a career in content. He also brings expertise in project management, HR, and CRM software, giving him a practical, business-focused perspective on today’s tech landscape.
