In the latest Android 16 Developer Preview 2, Google Keep, the free note-taking app, has been upgraded to a system app. This change means users can no longer uninstall Keep through standard methods. System apps are essential applications that come pre-installed with the operating system to perform key functions. While these apps can’t be uninstalled without special access (like rooting the device), they can be disabled if needed.
Previously, in Android 15 and earlier versions, users could easily uninstall Google Keep. However, with this update, Keep has been moved to a protected system area, making it a core part of the operating system.
This change suggests that Google plans to integrate Keep more deeply into Android 16, possibly introducing new features or tighter integration with other system functions. One potential enhancement could be a lock screen note-taking feature, allowing users to quickly jot down notes without unlocking their devices. Although this feature was anticipated in Android 15, it has yet to be released.
By making Keep a system app, Google indicates its commitment to enhancing the app’s capabilities and its role within the Android ecosystem.
