Google System Update Jan 2026: Latest Info [January 21, 2026]

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Google updated and re-released the January 2026 edition of the “Google System Release Notes,” which summarizes information on the “Google System Update” designed to improve the security and reliability of Android-related devices. This content was originally published on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The “Google System Update” is a collective term for updates to various system service apps intended to enhance the security and reliability of Android-related devices. Rather than a single “Google System Update” being delivered, these updates are provided through individual system apps, offering useful new features that bolster the security and reliability of Android devices.

The collective name for these individual system app updates is the “Google System Update.”

「Google システム アップデート」の詳細

「Google システム アップデート」は、Android OS の「Google Play システム アップデート」のほか、「Google Play 開発者サービス」アプリと「Google Play ストア」アプリの各アップデートにて提供される、Android OS システムの新機能や改善の総称です。「Google システム アップデート」は Android スマートフォンやタブレットのほか、「Android TV / Google TV」デバイス、「Android Auto」、Wear OS ウォッチ、Chrome OS デバイスといった Google 認定デバイス全体にも提供されます。

For more details on the different types of updates deployed to the Android platform, please refer to the article below.

While “Google System Update” information is updated periodically, the January 2026 latest information “Google System Release Notes” published this time is an addition to the content released on Monday, January 19, 2026. New features in the Security & Privacy category have been added to the features rolling out with the “Google Play services” app v26.02.

January 2026

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.

Security & Privacy

• [Phone] With this new feature, your device securely backs up logs with privacy protection and tamper resistance, and limits access to the user.

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 System Services Release Notes – Help

Published January 19, 2026 (Mon)

The January 2026 latest information for the “Google System Update” in the “Google System Release Notes” published on Monday, January 19, 2026, revealed new features rolling out in the “Google Play services” app v26.02 and the “Google Play Store” app v49.8.

In the Wear OS version of the “Google Play services” app v26.02, it appears that UI adjustments will be made to the backup settings.

Added January 21, 2026 (Wed)

Additionally, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, a new feature in the Security & Privacy category was added to the rollout for the “Google Play services” app v26.02.

This update introduces the “Intrusion Logs” feature for the “Advanced Protection” program—a security suite for Android devices and Google accounts—specifically for devices running “Android 16.” This feature saves a portion of the device’s activity logs to a private, end-to-end encrypted storage on Google’s servers.

“Google Play services” App v26.02

■ Account Management

• Updated the opt-out process for “Parental Controls” on Android devices to require parental approval.

■ Developer Services

• Added new developer features for Google and third-party app developers to support location and context-related processes within their apps.

■ Device Connectivity

• Adjusted the UI for backup settings on Wear OS.

■ [Added Jan 21, 2026] Security & Privacy

• Added “Intrusion Logs” to “Advanced Protection” for Android 16 devices, a feature that saves device activity logs to private, end-to-end encrypted storage on Google servers.

■ System Management

• Bug fixes for system management and diagnostic-related services for Android Auto, ChromeOS, Android, Google TV / Android TV, and Wear OS.

“Google Play Store” App v49.8

■ “Google Play Store” App v49.8

• Added support for real-time updates of unlocked game achievements in the Android version of the “Google Play Store” app.

Source：Google