Google Play services v26.41 adds a new layer of in-call scam protection for phones running Android 15 and earlier. It guards against apps that ask for accessibility permissions while you’re on a call. Google listed the change in its system release notes on October 19.
The interesting part is how it arrives. Older phones get this defence through a Play services update, not a full OS upgrade.
Play services v26.41: in-call scam protection for Android 15 and earlier
Here’s how Google describes the change in its changelog:
“With updates to in-call scam protections, you’ll get an extra layer of defense against phone call scams on devices with Android 15 and earlier, with protections from apps that ask for accessibility permissions throughout a call.”
The changelog doesn’t explain how the protection works. It also doesn’t say how far back in Android versions it reaches, or when it will hit your phone. It sits alongside other scam defences, such as Google Messages’ opt-in Enhanced Protection mode.
Google Wallet: upgrade your digital ID to Aadhaar
Users in India get a Wallet change in the same release. You can now upgrade an existing digital ID in Google Wallet to an Aadhaar card.
Aadhaar support in Wallet itself isn’t new, since it was first announced in April. What’s new is the option to upgrade an ID you’ve already added.
Find Hub changes
- Auto-bonding: supported locator tags can now bond automatically to the tag’s owner.
- Firmware updates: over-the-air updates for Fast Pair devices should be smoother.
- Network spec: the release includes a new version of the Find Hub Network specification.
- Left-Behind Reminders: now usable in Find Hub. Version 26.39 already let you set them up during tag pairing, as noted in our October system update roundup.
The rest of it, in brief
Google Play Store v53.7 landed the same day with two smaller changes:
- Device offers: Apps Home now shows tailored device offers at the top.
- Download progress: active downloads show estimated time or size remaining instead of a percentage.
When you’ll get it
On a Pixel, 9to5Google gives this path to check: Settings > your name > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services.
Don’t expect every feature right away. Changelog features can take weeks or months to reach every device. Google’s page also notes that some features may be experimental and limited to certain users.
Sources: Google System Services Release Notes, 9to5Google, Business Today
