Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
In the upcoming Android 15 update, a new feature might be introduced that could help protect users from misbehaving apps: app quarantining. While Android is generally very secure, occasionally problematic apps can slip through the cracks and evade detection by Google Play Protect. These apps are typically uninstalled by Play Protect to ensure user safety.
Despite the robust protection that Android offers against malicious and misbehaving apps, there are still cases where such apps manage to bypass security measures. In these instances, Play Protect steps in to automatically remove them. However, no anti-malware software is perfect, which is why Play Protect usually prompts the user for confirmation before taking action against a potentially harmful app.
With the potential introduction of app quarantining in Android 15, services like Play Protect may have an additional tool to protect users. This feature would isolate problematic apps from the rest of the system, preventing them from executing any harmful actions.
In a manner similar to anti-virus software on desktop systems, app quarantining on Android would prevent quarantined apps from displaying notifications, accessing system services, or interacting with other apps. The quarantined app would still appear on the user’s home screen and in settings, but with limited functionality to ensure user safety.
The ability to quarantine apps in this way is a new development for Android, which traditionally relies on its secure design to prevent malware. The system would use the same APIs as app suspension, but with additional permissions required for app quarantining. While the feature is still in development and may not be available in the next Android release, it represents an important step towards enhancing Android’s security features.
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