Android 15 is anticipated to reach on Pixel smartphones later this yr and a number of other options from Google’s upcoming working system (OS) replace have surfaced due to the developer previews and the primary public beta launch. Google is reportedly engaged on a helpful new function that might assist customers isolate a malicious app on their smartphone after it’s detected. If the function is added to the ultimate Android 15 launch, the working system would possibly have the ability to ‘quarantine’ apps, identical to antivirus packages on Home windows.
Noticed by Android Authority on the most recent Android 15 beta, Google is engaged on the power to permit a system app — like Google Play Providers or the Play Retailer — to isolate apps and apply some restrictions on them. As soon as an app has been quarantined, its capabilities might be severely restricted, which could stop it from taking opposed motion on the person’s gadget.
The code for the app quarantine function exists on Android 15, however it’s but to be enabled, in response to the publication. Based mostly on the present code, the function will reportedly stop a quarantined app from exhibiting notifications, conceal its home windows and cease actions, stop it from ringing the gadget and forestall different apps from interacting with some its companies.
The purported Quarantined Apps interface on Android 15
Picture Credit score: Android Authority/ Mishaal Rahman
Google is reportedly engaged on a “QUARANTINE_APPS” permission that may solely be granted to apps signed by the identical certificates that Google makes use of to signal the Android working system — successfully limiting the power to quarantine apps to the Play Retailer (or Google Play Providers).
It is value noting that whereas anti-malware software program for Home windows computer systems can also be able to quarantining apps, Android is far more safe than Home windows and apps do not need entry to a number of elements of the telephone with out first getting permission from the person. Because of this, quarantined apps will nonetheless be seen within the app drawer on Android 15, however tapping the greyed-out icon will inform customers that the app is not obtainable, whereas displaying two buttons — OK and Unquarantine app, in response to the publication.
There isn’t any phrase on whether or not the function might be obtainable with Android 15, because it was first noticed in a developer construct of Android 14 again in 2022. If Google decides to allow the performance on Android 15, it seems seemingly that solely the Play Retailer or Google Play Providers will have the ability to carry out the app quarantining capabilities. It may, nonetheless, turn out to be useful when Google’s Play Defend malware scanner detects an app that’s exhibiting suspicious behaviour however is not a recognized menace.
