Android 17 Beta 2 restricts non-accessibility apps from using the accessibility services API

Android 17 Beta 2 restricts non-accessibility apps from using the accessibility services API when Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) is active.

Verified accessibility apps marked with isAccessibilityTool=”true” are exempt from the restriction.

Change aims to curb malware misuse of the accessibility API (often used for data theft), which is intended for legitimate features like screen readers and voice input.

Apps that previously had accessibility permission will automatically lose it and users cannot grant it while AAPM is enabled.

Android 17 also introduces a new contacts picker for more granular data access (source: The Hacker News).

Read more about how Android 17 Beta 2 restricts non-accessibility apps on SC Media