New Feature Coming to Android: Secure Zones


Summary: Android users can look forward to a new feature called Secure Zones, which aims to protect sensitive apps and data on smartphones. While Google is still working on the development of this feature, an early preview has given users an idea of what to expect.

Google is currently developing a feature called Secure Zones, which will allow Android users to keep important apps hidden in a secure area on their smartphones. Similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder, this functionality aims to protect sensitive information from prying eyes.

The Secure Zones feature, spottedAndroid expert Mishaal Rahman, was enabled on the Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 software version. Although it is not yet functional, the preview provides insights into how the feature will work once it is officially released.

To access Secure Zones, users will navigate through their phone settings and select “Security & Privacy” followed“Private Space.” Apps within the Secure Zone will be protecteda lock and will not appear in permission manager, privacy dashboard, or other settings when the Secure Zone is locked. This ensures that app activity and notifications from the Secure Zone remain hidden.

Interestingly, Secure Zones will be created as a separate Android profile known as android.os.usertype.profile.PRIVATE. This allows for a clear segregation between the main Android OS and the Secure Zone. Users will need to sign into a Google account within the Secure Zone, further enhancing its security.

Google is also working on making Secure Zone apps accessible directly from the search bar. While this function is not yet operational, it indicates that more convenient access to Secure Zone apps may be available in the future.

The release date for the Secure Zones feature is uncertain, but it is expected to be introduced sometime next year. Speculations suggest that it may be included in the March feature drop for Android or in the Android 15 update set to launch in the fall.

Overall, Secure Zones will offer Android users a secure and private space to store sensitive apps and data, providing peace of mind and enhanced security for personal information.

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