New Google Play System Update for Android Users

Google began rolling out a new Google Play System update on July 6, 2026, which offers Android users numerous new features. These changes affect data backup and content management on smartphones, regardless of the manufacturer. The key innovations have been summarized by the website 9to5Google. One of the central features of the update is the ability to directly control the backup of SMS, MMS, and RCS messages.

Users can find this option under Settings > Accounts and Backup > Google Backup > More Device Data. A new toggle switch allows users to enable or disable the backup of this data, giving them more control over their stored information. This feature is particularly relevant as Google has recently stopped offering free backups for Android devices. Each backup now counts against the available storage quota, which is limited to 15 GB in the free version. Users must therefore carefully consider which data they want to store in Google Cloud.

Additionally, Android introduces local backup for documents. This feature allows downloaded documents to be automatically saved in Google Drive. Supported file formats include .DOC, .PPT, .XLS, .PDF, and all other documents stored on the device. The transfer of these documents between the device and Google services is encrypted. Another aspect of the update concerns the synchronization of documents. Changes made to a document in one location will not automatically sync with other locations. This could be significant for users who work on multiple devices and want to ensure their documents are always up to date.

The release notes for Google System Services also include several smaller updates. This includes a revamp of in-app purchases, now supported by an improved native storefront for Google One. This change could enhance the user experience when purchasing subscriptions and additional services. Another update concerns the transfer of work profiles to Wear OS smartwatches. This feature may be of interest to users who want to access their work data and applications on their smartwatches while on the go.

Integrating work profiles into the smartwatch environment could boost productivity. Additionally, a new Google location sharing feature for Chromebooks is being introduced. This function allows users to share their location more easily with others, which can be particularly beneficial for using Google services and applications. Location sharing could also facilitate collaboration within teams. For developers of Google and third-party apps, there are also new features that improve support for processes in their apps related to Google Maps.

These innovations could ease the integration of mapping and location services into applications and enhance the user experience. Users can check the currently installed version of the Google Play System Updates and update to a new version if necessary. This can be done through the menu option Settings > Security and Privacy > Updates > Google Play System Update. The update is being gradually rolled out to users.

The new features of the Google Play System update are part of Google's ongoing efforts to improve the user experience on Android devices and strengthen data privacy. The changes provide users with more control over their data and expand the functionalities of their devices. The update has been distributed to Android users since July 6, 2026.