cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/29085701

• Identity Check was spotted on a OnePlus 13 running the Android 16 beta.
• The feature is expected to arrive on more Android phones with the Android 16 update coming later this year.
• It requires a change to Android’s biometric prompt code, which can’t be completed without a full update.

When enabled, Identity Check requires biometric authentication to view or modify certain sensitive parts on your Android smartphone. A fingerprint or face unlock is required for the following actions when your device is outside of a trusted location:

• Accessing saved passkeys and app passwords
• Changing PIN, pattern, or password, and turning off Find My

For these actions, biometric authentication is mandatory outside of trusted locations with Identity Check enabled — a password, PIN, or pattern won’t work as an alternative. This is intended to prevent people from hijacking your Google account or other online accounts in the event your phone is lost or stolen, even if the bad actor knows your password.