Android 15 may have a hidden feature to detect deceptive apps

Google is reportedly testing a new security feature on Android that would scan for deceptive apps on the device. The feature, which is currently hidden under the Settings menu, was first spotted in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2.

According to a well-known tipster @MishaalRahman, the ‘Scanning for deceptive apps’ feature was present in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2, but it also appeared for some users on the latest Beta 3.1 release.

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The Scanning for Deceptive Apps feature checks app activity for phishing or other deceptive behavior by scanning runs privately right on your device. If it’s detected, some app info is sent to Google Play Protect to confirm the threat and warn app users.

The feature can be enabled under Settings >> Security & privacy >> More security & privacy, and it has a toggle to enable or disable it.

Google has not officially announced or confirmed the existence of this feature, so it is unclear if it is intended to launch with Android 15. The company may be testing the feature with a limited number of users before rolling it out to the public.