The Pixel 9 series is next in line to support AirDrop-style sharing between Android and iPhone

The required files has been added in the latest Android Canary update.

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-9-airdrop-quick-share-support-android-canary-3630861/

@GappsLeaks

Pixel phones hit by bug that breaks long-press volume controls, but there's a workaround

✅ Details - https://piunikaweb.com/2026/01/08/android-google-pixel-long-press-volume-controls-not-working-workaround/

@GappsLeaks

OnePlus and OPPO could introduce a new feature to their earbuds that automatically detects when an earbud drops out of your ear

It's called - Earbuds fall detection and it's not the same thing as as the existing in-ear detection.

✅ More details - https://www.androidauthority.com/oneplus-earbuds-fall-detection-feature-3630541/

@GappsLeaks

Bad with directions? Here's how Google Maps on Android XR could help you never get lost again

Google will also give users the option to turn off enhanced navigation

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-android-xr-navigation-gemini-3630887/

@GappsLeaks

Android 17's new App Lock might stop your notifications from spilling secrets

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/android-17-app-lock-notifications-rumor-3630983/

@GappsLeaks

Android's time zone change notification might not leave you guessing anymore

With a future update, your Android device may also tell you the exact time your clock has moved.

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/android-time-zone-change-notification-update-3630961/

@GappsLeaks

Here's how you'll finally be able to set up your own Calling Card on Android

Google is solving the biggest Calling Card complaint on Android

✅ Details/Screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/caling-cards-android-my-calling-card-setup-3631253/

@GappsLeaks

Organized system setting in Android Canary.

The option to enable/disable Circle to Search is moved here from Gesture Navigation setting.

@GappsLeaks

[APK Teardown] Google Photos may finally let you choose when your pictures are backed up with Backup schedule

Backup settings are also getting a touch of Expressive UI

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-backup-schedule-3631410/

@GappsLeaks

[APK Teardown] Google Photos may finally add a long-awaited video playback feature

Google is also working on a more immersive Photos view that will let users hide the dates

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-video-playback-speed-apk-teardown-3631639/

@GappsLeaks

ChatGPT mobile app is getting a new attachment UI and power users will not love this

The menu puts important features at the top but requires users to scroll further to reach other options.

✅ Details/Video - https://www.androidauthority.com/chatgpt-mobile-attachment-ui-update-3631648/

@GappsLeaks

Google Wallet may finally add Aadhaar card support alongside a new split-style FAB

We've spotted mentions of India’s primary ID and a revamped layout coming to Google Wallet.

✅ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-wallet-aadhaar-card-support-apk-teardown-3631656/

@GappsLeaks

Apple will use Google Gemini models as foundation models to power Apple Intelligence features.

@GappsLeaks

We got our first close look at Google’s smart glasses software, and it hints at big things

Features in development include an audio-only mode, conversation detection to mute notifications, 3K recording and privacy-protecting camera tools.

✅ Details & Screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/glasses-companion-app-3631808/

@GappsLeaks

Google updates Gemini weather card with new UI and more detailed information about precipitation and wind

And yes, that input box is new 👀

✅ Details and more screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/gemini-weather-3632145/

@GappsLeaks

Just a Google Employee granting you access to private files. Dude revoked access as soon as he realized that I wasn't supposed to see it. 🤣

@GappsLeaks

Google Translate wants to give you more control with alternative translations

Google could introduce this option alongside the “Understand” and “Ask” buttons we spotted earlier.

✅ Details and more screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/translate-show-alternatives-3632048/

@GappsLeaks

This new Google Photos feature could be great for your phone battery

Photos could soon limit frequent backups to reduce power consumption.

✅ More details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-battery-saving-feature-3632262/

@GappsLeaks

[APK Teardown] Hate the Ask feature in Google Photos? Too bad, Google is doubling down on it.

Google could integrate the Ask feature in your memories/moments/stories carousel.

✨ Details - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-ask-moments-apk-teardown-3632279/

@GappsLeaks

Remix in Google Photos could feel less overwhelming with this upcoming upgrade

Making it much easier to find the right template by sorting them in categories

✨ Details/Screenshots - https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-remix-template-categories-3632292/

@GappsLeaks

Some personal news:

This is my last day at Android Authority, and it also marks the end of my time posting Android news!

I've spent the past 10 years writing about Android, and I've enjoyed every moment of it. What began as a hobby in college — tinkering with custom ROMs and modding my phone — turned into a long career, one totally disconnected from my degree in Biomed Engineering.

I am not a developer by trade or education, so I've had to learn a LOT to report on Android the way that I do. I've had my share of missteps along the way, but thanks to the help from the developer and enthusiast community, I've learned SO MUCH. I hope I've been successful in passing much of that knowledge on to you!

Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey. I wouldn't have done this work for very long if nobody was there to read it. Your comments encouraged me to invest countless hours into finding new Android features, all in the hopes of sharing these discoveries with people who love the platform as much as I do!