Google is finally answering a long-standing question: “Who actually uses Advanced Protection?”
With Android 16, the company is introducing a new section called “App List”, which will display all applications that actively make use of this strict security program.
Advanced Protection is Google’s highest level of account and device security. It:
- blocks app installations from outside the Play Store,
- disables unsafe network connections,
- restricts data access over USB,
- and generally minimizes the risk of malware and unauthorized access.
Until now, users had no way of knowing which apps were actually tied into these safeguards. Android 16 changes that by making the process transparent.
To check, users will be able to navigate to:
Settings → Security & Privacy → Advanced Protection.
At the bottom, a new link will appear with two key sections:
- “Apps on your device may check whether device protection is enabled to provide additional security.”
- “Apps that have checked device protection.”
Tapping this will open a dedicated page showing the list of apps that genuinely integrate with Advanced Protection.
Currently, the feature has been spotted in Google Play Services Beta 25.33.32 and only displays Google’s own apps, such as Chrome, Play Store, Messages, and Phone. However, the list is expected to expand in the future to include third-party apps.
In short, Android 16 not only strengthens security but also gives users a clear view of which apps are truly committed to protecting their data—and which are not.
