Google Continues Developing App Lock Feature for Android 17
Google is actively developing an integrated app lock feature for Android 17. While absent from the initial release, the feature has reappeared in testing phases, suggesting its eventual integration.
Google is working on a native app lock feature for its Android 17 operating system. The functionality was notably absent from the official Android 17 release, a decision that has drawn user attention. However, recent activity in testing builds indicates that Google has not abandoned the feature and is continuing its development.
The latest Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 test update includes new text strings that refer to batch locking multiple applications directly from system settings. This marks a potential improvement over an earlier appearance in Canary build 2603, where the feature was reportedly limited to the Pixel launcher and single-app locking.
These new strings also suggest enhanced security options, allowing users to configure app unlocks using solely biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Previous iterations allowed for both biometric and passcode unlocks.
Despite these indications, the app lock functionality remains inactive in the current Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 build. This suggests that the feature is unlikely to be part of the stable QPR1 release. Google appears to be refining the app lock for a future rollout, rather than including it in the immediate update cycle.