Android's next update brings back a way to lock individual apps

Google's next Android update is bringing back a way to lock individual apps. The feature shows up in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3, a test version released before the public update. Android Authority reports the beta also fixes dozens of bugs and adds new options for app bubbles and the Quick Settings panel.

What changed

A beta is an early version that people can try so problems get found before everyone gets the update. This is the third beta of Android 17 QPR3. QPR stands for Quarterly Platform Release, a smaller update that arrives between Android's big yearly versions.

• App lock returns, letting you lock individual apps
• Dozens of bugs found in earlier betas are fixed
• New options for app bubbles, the small floating windows for apps
• New options for Quick Settings, the panel you pull down from the top of the screen

Who it affects

App lock matters most if you share your phone with family or hand it to others now and then. Locking a single app could keep a private one closed, such as messages or banking, without locking the whole phone. The article text was not available, so the details of how it works are not confirmed here.

What is not known yet

The material does not say when the final version will reach the public. It also does not say which phones will get it, or how app lock will be set up and unlocked. Features in a beta can also change or be removed before release.

What to do

Most people can simply wait for the final release. Beta software can have rough edges, so it is usually best to leave it to testers and to people with a spare phone.