- App settings could soon start appearing in the Android Settings app.
- A new Android 16 API named SettingsPreferenceService was recently added.
- It allows developers to add app settings in the Android settings app, just like on iOS.
Unlike iOS where app settings are a bit segregated with some built into the app itself while others in the Settings app, Android’s is much cleaner. That’s because Android doesn’t have a dedicated app settings page in the Settings app. All the Android apps have their settings accessible within the apps, which is much more convenient. However, it looks like Android could soon mimic iOS’ behavior.
Spotted first by Android expert Mishaal Rahman , Google has added a new API to Android 16, which could allow app developers to integrate app settings into Android’s settings app. The API is called SettingsPreferenceService.
Image Credits: Google
It has parameters like NO_SENSITIVITY, EXPECT_POST_CONFIRMATION, DEEPLINK_ONLY, and NO_DIRECT_ACCESS, which correspond to various permissions and configurations that users can change or access.
iOS has had the feature for quite some time now and given how app developers couldn’t care less about its existence, we fail to understand how a similar feature could contribute to the betterment of Android.
The current integrated App settings on Android are just plain better, but it’s also possible that we’re not seeing the bigger picture. Meaning, the new API could be meant for something else we don’t know about.
Considering the documentation for the API is live, we should still see a handful of app developers (if at all) use the API to bring some app settings to Android’s Settings app. However, it’s unlikely that it will be widely adopted.
Abubakar covers Tech at Beebom, with his passion for technology tracing back to 2011 when he received a Dell Inspiron 5100 as a gift. He’s also a passionate advocate for the right-to-repair movement, believing in empowering users to maintain and extend the life of their devices. Outside the tech world, he enjoys watching anime and exploring his newfound enthusiasm for Japanese cars. In his free time, you’ll often find him immersed in Genshin Impact or researching his next gadget purchase. Before joining Beebom, he contributed to leading publications like Android Police, How-To Geek, and Fossbytes.
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- Android 16 Beta 3 enables Screen-off Fingerprint unlock on older Google Pixels.
- The feature was previously believed to be exclusive to Pixel 9 series.
- With this, you can now unlock your Pixel phone quickly without AOD and turning on the display.
The next version of Android has reached its final testing phase with the recent Android 16 Beta 3 update. This beta didn’t bring any major upgrades but added many improvements for existing features. Among them, is the screen-off fingerprint feature, which is now available on older Google Pixel phones.
The Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock option in the Fingerprint Unlock settings menu allows users to unlock their Google Pixel phone with the screen off. This means, unlike previously where users had to tap to wake up the screen and then use the fingerprint to unlock, they can now just press on the fingerprint sensor region to unlock the phone.
To enable this feature on Android 16, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock > Fingerprint Unlock , and turn on the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock toggle under “When using Fingerprint Unlock”. To test it out, ensure Always-on Display is off. Turn off your phone’s screen and press any of your registered fingers in the sensor area. If this is active, your Pixel should automatically wake up and unlock.
For those unaware, Pixel 9 ( review ) series was the first to receive this feature with Android 16 DP 2 . We initially thought the feature would be Pixel 9-exclusive because of its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. However, the feature is now available on Pixel 6 and newer models, which is a pleasant surprise.
Those who have Always-on display feature enabled can now disable it to save battery life. Instead, they can enable the Screen-off Fingerprint unlock feature for faster fingerprint unlock.
Abubakar covers Tech at Beebom, with his passion for technology tracing back to 2011 when he received a Dell Inspiron 5100 as a gift. He’s also a passionate advocate for the right-to-repair movement, believing in empowering users to maintain and extend the life of their devices. Outside the tech world, he enjoys watching anime and exploring his newfound enthusiasm for Japanese cars. In his free time, you’ll often find him immersed in Genshin Impact or researching his next gadget purchase. Before joining Beebom, he contributed to leading publications like Android Police, How-To Geek, and Fossbytes.
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