The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
The following first-party apps comprise the “Google System”:
To update, open the Settings app > tap your name at the very top for “Google services” (on Pixel) > All services tab > Privacy & security > System services.
A feature appearing in the changelog does not mean it’s widely available. Some capabilities take months to fully launch.
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Google Play services v26.03 (2026-01-26)
Account Management
[Auto] With this update, Google Accounts for users under 18 that were unable to sign in to Automotive devices before can now sign in when specific conditions are met.
Security & Privacy
[Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] This update allows account authentication through NFC security keys that support CTAP2.
Utilities
[Phone] You’ll get an improved compatibility when you move your data across devices.
Wallet
[Phone] You can now create digital IDs when needed.
[Phone] Bug fixes for Wallet related services.
Google Play Store v49.9 (2026-01-26)
[Phone] This update collapses subtasks in Organized by AI section in search results.
Google Play services v26.02 (2026-01-19)
Account Management
[Phone] This feature updates the opt-out of supervision process and may require parental approval.
Developer Services
[Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Location & Context related processes in their apps.
Device Connectivity
[Wear] This update adjusts text and icons in backup settings on Wear OS devices.
System Management
[Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Bug fixes for System Management & Diagnostics related services.
Google Play Store v49.8 (2026-01-19)
[Phone] Adds support for real-time updates of unlocked game achievements in the Play Store.
Google Play services v26.01 (2026-01-12)
Developer Services
[Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Location & Context related processes in their apps.
System Management
[Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Stability.
Wallet
[Phone, Wear] You can now view transactions from other devices and online purchases that use virtual card numbers.
Google Play Store v49.7 (2026-01-12)
[Phone] Allow users to select from multiple prizes instead of receiving a single one.
Android WebView v144 (2026-01-07)
Improvements to security and privacy and updates for bug fixes.
New developer features for Google & 3rd party app developers to support functionality related to displaying web content in their apps.
Important: Some features may be experimental and available to certain users.
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