Android 17 QPR2 adds App lock to Pixel

According to 9to5Google, the latest beta release of Android 17 QPR2 has introduced a native app locking feature for Pixel devices. This functionality allows users to secure individual applications behind biometric authentication or a device passcode, providing an additional layer of privacy for sensitive data without requiring third-party software solutions.

The feature, identified in the third beta build of the QPR2 update, appears to be part of Google's ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy controls within the Android ecosystem. By integrating app locking directly into the operating system, Google aims to streamline the user experience and reduce reliance on external security apps that often require extensive system permissions.

While the feature is currently available to users enrolled in the Android beta program, it is expected to roll out to the general public in a future stable update. This update follows a series of visual and functional refinements introduced throughout the Android 17 development cycle. As of now, Google has not provided an official timeline for the wide-scale deployment of this tool, though it is anticipated to arrive alongside the broader QPR2 release for supported Pixel hardware.