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Google Play system update January 2026: this is new

Google releases a security update for Android every month, but that is not the only update for Android devices. So are the Google Play system updates. Details of the first Google Play update of 2026 are known: this brings January's Google Play Services...

,   and  Stefan Hage
2 min read

January's Google Play update

Every month, a new Google Play system update is released. This update is pushed from Google to the various Android smartphones, tablets and other devices running Android. This brings several improvements to the Android platform. Both in terms of bug fixes and optimisations for various Google services, such as Play Services. What does the new January update bring?

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold design

We've put down the changelog of the January update for you below. It may take some time until all users receive this new update.

Changelog

Google Play services v26.02 (19-01-2026)

Account management

  • [Phone] This feature improves the process to opt out of monitoring and may require parental approval.

Developer services

  • [Phone] New features for app developers Google and third-party developers to support processes related to location and context in their apps.

Device connectivity

  • [Wear] This update adjusts text and icons in backup settings on Wear OS devices.

Security and privacy

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

System management

  • [Car, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Bug fixes for system management services and diagnostic data.

Google Play Store v49.8 (19-01-2026)

  • [Phone] Support has been added for real-time updates of unlocked game achievements in the Play Store.

Google Play services v26.01 (12-01-2026)

Developer Services

  • [Phone] New features for Google and third-party app developers to support location- and context-related processes in their apps.

System management

  • [Car, 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 (12-01-2026)

  • [Phone] Allow users to choose from multiple prizes instead of getting one prize.

Android WebView v144 (07-01-2026)

  • Improvements to security and privacy, and updates to bug fixes.
  • New features for Google and third-party app developers to support functionality in their apps to display web content.

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