What’s new in Android’s April 2026 Google System Updates 

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 v26.13 (2026-04-06)

Account Management

• [Auto] When a user signs in to their Google account on Android Automotive devices via QR code, the sign-in confirmation displays the requesting device’s name.

Device Connectivity

• [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Device Connectivity related processes in their apps.

Location & Context

• [Phone] With this update, Location Sharing APIs are refined and new location requests are introduced.
• [Phone] With this update, On-Device Location History Store Visits processes more frequently.

System Management

• [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Security and Stability.

Wallet

• [Phone] Bug fixes for Wallet related services.

Google Play Store v50.9 (2026-04-06)

• [Phone] This update adds download numbers to some app and game ads to help you make informed choices.
• [Phone] You can now join and compete in Play Games Leagues directly from the You tab.

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