Google is making significant strides in security with the upcoming Android 16 update, particularly through a feature known as “inactivity reboot.” This enhancement is poised to frustrate phone thieves, as it will force a phone to restart after three days of inactivity, thereby rendering biometric logins ineffective. Evidence from an APK teardown indicates that this feature aligns with the Advanced Protection Program, which aims to bolster security on Android devices. While software updates are generally welcomed, users have expressed their desire for more engaging features.
In recent years, many Android updates have faced criticism for being bland and forgettable. However, Google seems to be addressing these concerns with a strong focus on security enhancements in Android 16, specifically targeting potential thieves. The inactivity reboot feature is not entirely new; Apple included a similar element in its iOS 18 update. Although definitive studies on its effectiveness against thieves are lacking, it undoubtedly increases the difficulty of bypassing a locked device.
According to the code found in the APK teardown, the feature simply requires a reboot if the device remains locked for three days, forcing anyone who steals the phone to act quickly before biometrics are rendered useless. As Android 16’s release approaches, the specifics of the inactivity reboot feature may undergo changes. For example, it could potentially initiate an auto-reboot sooner than three days. In addition to the inactivity reboot, Google plans several updates to the Advanced Protection Program in Android 16.
New settings and APIs will enable users to enroll their devices in the program directly from settings and allow applications to tailor their behavior based on the phone’s subscription status. While these enhancements are not yet available in beta releases, they are anticipated to debut with the stable Android 16 update, expected in the second quarter of the year.
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