As technology continues to evolve, scammers are constantly developing new tactics to deceive smartphone users. Often, they use psychological manipulation to steal data during phone calls. In response to these growing security concerns, Google is set to introduce a new security feature with Android 16 that blocks app installations during phone calls. This enhanced security feature is also expected to be available on Samsung devices with the One UI 8 skin.

How Android 16 Protects Users from Scams During Phone Calls

Scammers commonly use tactics such as requesting OTPs based on fake stories or asking users to click on suspicious links during phone calls. However, with the emergence of new techniques, scammers are now finding ways to install harmful applications on users’ phones.

To prevent users from accessing potentially threatening applications from external sources, Android 16 is poised to introduce a feature that blocks the sideloading of applications on Android phones during phone calls.

According to a report by Android Authority, a new security feature was discovered in the beta 2 update, which suggests that Android 16 will bring new security features that automatically activate during phone calls, restricting users from sideloading applications from external sources.

However, the report further states that users will need to enable this feature manually via the settings, specifically under “special app access.” Users who have enabled advanced protection mode will not be able to toggle this feature on due to security reasons.

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