The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
The following first-party apps comprise the “Google System”:
- Adaptive Connectivity Services: Search the “All apps” list in Settings and open App info for the version number
- Android System Intelligence: App info
- Android System Key Verifier: App info
- Android System SafetyCore: App info
- Android System WebView: App info
- Android TV Core Services
- Device Health Services: App info
- Google Partner Setup: App info
- Google Play Protect Service: App info
- Google Play services: App info
- Google Play Services for AR: App info
- Google Play Store: App info
- Google Play system update: Settings > About phone > Android version
- Private Compute Services: App info
- Quick Share Extension
- Settings Services: App info
- SIM Manager: App info
- System parental controls: App info
To update, open the Settings app > tap your name at the very top for “Google services” (on Pixel) > All services tab > Privacy & security > System services.
A feature appearing in the changelog does not mean it’s widely available. Some capabilities take months to fully launch.
Google Play services v26.02 (2026-01-19)
Account Management
- [Phone] This feature updates the opt-out of supervision process and may require parental approval.
Developer Services
- [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Location & Context related processes in their apps.
Device Connectivity
- [Wear] This update adjusts text and icons in backup settings on Wear OS devices.
System Management
- [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Bug fixes for System Management & Diagnostics related services.
Google Play Store v49.8 (2026-01-19)
- [Phone] Adds support for real-time updates of unlocked game achievements in the Play Store.
Google Play services v26.01 (2026-01-12)
Developer Services
- [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Location & Context related processes in their apps.
System Management
- [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Stability.
Wallet
- [Phone, Wear] You can now view transactions from other devices and online purchases that use virtual card numbers.
Google Play Store v49.7 (2026-01-12)
- [Phone] Allow users to select from multiple prizes instead of receiving a single one.
Android WebView v144 (2026-01-07)
- Improvements to security and privacy and updates for bug fixes.
- New developer features for Google & 3rd party app developers to support functionality related to displaying web content in their apps.
Important: Some features may be experimental and available to certain users.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments