Android 15 could allow you to keep sensitive apps and files in a separate Private Space | Tech News

Google is reportedly developing a new feature called Private Space for Android 15. It is tipped to enable users to hide or lock apps in a separate space with a dedicated Google account.

Representational picture of Private Space feature on Android 15 (Image Credits: Mohammad Faisal/ Copilot Designer)

Google is reportedly working on a new feature for Android 15 called Private Space, which will enable users to hide or lock apps in a separate space for extra security. The Private Space will reportedly require another Google account to create an entirely separate space from the rest of the device.

The Private Space was first spotted under development in December 2023 in the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1. However, there was no information regarding its nature or its functionalities. It was believed to be a tool to let users hide apps or files from others even if they get a hold of their phone. Now tech veteran Mishaal Rahman has shared more details about the feature.

Android 15: Private Space

As per the screenshot shared by Rahman (via Android Authority), Private Space will allow users to “Hide or lock private apps in a separate space” and require a “dedicated Google Account for extra security”.

As per the report, users will be able to sign up for Private Space with a dedicated account. While setting up the separate space, it will reportedly display the message– “Using a dedicated account helps to stop synced files, photos, and emails appearing outside your space.”

The description suggests that Private Space will work more or less like additional profiles you set for Windows. The tipster explains that users will be able to set up a lock pattern or PIN to access Private Space, which can be similar to or different from the phone lock.

Just like a separate profile on Windows, Private Space on Android 15 is said to let users install apps privately that do not show up outside the space. These apps will be downloaded using the separate Google account used to create the space.

According to the report, a Private Space, once created, shows up as a thin strip at the bottom of the app drawer with a lock icon. Tapping this icon will prompt the user to enter the password to get inside the space. Users will reportedly get an option to hide this thin strip by going to Settings > Security & privacy > Private Space. Once hidden, the Private Space will only be accessible by searching for “Private Space” and tapping on the chip that appears.

Android 15 is also expected to allow users the ability to choose when to automatically lock the space, change its screen lock, and delete it whenever they want. Notably, the feature is not available in the Android 15 Developer Preview 2 build but is expected to become live in future Android 15 beta versions.