One UI 8 must have Android 16’s Advanced Protection features

Samsung’s One UI 8 must bring Android 16’s Advanced Protection features. Google is reportedly developing new Advanced Protection features that could debut in Android 16, which we want to arrive on Galaxy phones with One UI 8 update.

One UI 7 is based on Android 15, scheduled to enter Beta this year and Public early next year. Galaxy phones will get Android 16 update with One UI 8 update – only if Samsung keeps stuck to its current version strategy.

Google is working to develop Advanced Protection integration for Android 16. The program includes new settings and a new API that’ll allow apps to change their behavior depending on whether users have Advanced Protection enabled.

Android could add Samsung’s Auto Blocker-like features. The feature restricts apps to be installed on Galaxy phones from unauthorized sources. However, you can still sideload APKs by disabling the Auto Blocker from Privacy settings.

Android 16 could allow you to enroll in Advanced Protection through Settings. Once enrolled, you will have to keep your Google Account signed in, and the OS will not allow you to install apps from sources other than Play Store and Galaxy Store.

Mishaal discovered a new patch in the AOSP Gerrit, which refers to a “new Service for Android Advanced Protection Mode.” It will allow apps to see whether Advanced Protection is enabled on-device, and to adjust their behavior accordingly.

A comment on the patch from a Google engineer clarified that the service in question “allows users to enroll into ‘advanced protection’ via Settings, and for apps to check if the user is enrolled” using a new API.

When enabled, Android 16 could require additional authentication if you try to access certain content, like protected files or banking details. Details are unknown, but we expect to see the Advanced Protection added in the Android 16 version.