๐ฒDigital TrendsโขStalecollected in 19m
Samsung updates Device Care to block adware notifications
๐กLearn how major OS vendors are using automated heuristics to curb aggressive app notification behavior.
โก 30-Second TL;DR
What Changed
Device Care now monitors notification frequency from third-party apps.
Why It Matters
This update signals a shift toward stricter OS-level control over app behavior, potentially forcing developers to adopt less intrusive notification strategies.
What To Do Next
Review your app's notification frequency metrics to ensure they don't trigger OS-level spam filters.
Who should care:Developers & AI Engineers
Key Points
- โขDevice Care now monitors notification frequency from third-party apps.
- โขAutomatic blocking of apps identified as adware or excessive ad-pushers.
- โขFocuses on cleaning up the Galaxy notification ecosystem.
๐ง Deep Insight
Web-grounded analysis with 14 cited sources.
๐ Enhanced Key Takeaways
- โขThe updated Device Care app (version 13.8.80.7) introduces an "Excessive Ad Blocking" feature that offers two distinct modes: a "basic blocking" option that relies on Samsung's internal database of known ad-spamming apps, and an "intelligent blocking" mode that uses an algorithm to analyze notifications in real-time for advertising content.
- โขWhen an app is identified as sending excessive ad notifications, Device Care places it into a "deep sleep" mode, which prevents it from running in the background or delivering further notifications until the user manually opens the app.
- โขThis new ad-blocking functionality is being rolled out as part of One UI 8.5 and is initially available on newer Galaxy devices, such as the Galaxy S26 series, with a phased deployment expected for other compatible Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
- โขUsers can access a dedicated "Care report" within the Device Care settings, specifically under "Excessive alerts," to review the list of applications that have been restricted and to manage their notification permissions.
๐ ๏ธ Technical Deep Dive
- App Version: The specific feature is integrated into Samsung's Device Care app, version 13.8.80.7.
- System Integration: Device Care operates as a built-in system application, accessible through the device's Settings menu, functioning as an optimization suite for managing battery life, storage, memory, and overall device security.
- Blocking Mechanisms:
- Basic Blocking: This mode identifies and blocks apps based on Samsung's proprietary database of applications known to send frequent advertisement alerts.
- Intelligent Blocking: This more advanced mode utilizes an algorithm to analyze incoming notifications in real-time to determine if they are promotional advertisements. If an app is found to be sending an excessive number of such alerts, it is targeted for blocking. Samsung has noted that the accuracy of this intelligent detection may not always be perfect.
- App State Management: Offending applications are moved into a "deep sleep" state, which effectively restricts their ability to run background processes or send notifications. These apps remain in deep sleep until the user manually launches them.
- User Interface for Management: Users can monitor and adjust the status of apps affected by this feature by navigating to
Settings > Device care > Care report > Excessive alerts.
๐ฎ Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources
App developers relying heavily on notification-based advertising will need to adapt their monetization strategies.
Samsung's automatic blocking of excessive ad notifications will directly impact the visibility and effectiveness of such ad-driven strategies, potentially pushing developers towards less intrusive methods or in-app purchases.
User satisfaction with Galaxy devices will likely increase due to a cleaner notification experience.
Reducing notification clutter from excessive ads addresses a common user frustration, enhancing the overall usability and appeal of Samsung's ecosystem.
Other Android OEMs may be prompted to develop similar system-level solutions for managing excessive ad notifications.
If Samsung's feature proves effective and popular, it could set a new standard for user experience, compelling competitors to integrate comparable anti-adware notification tools to remain competitive.
โณ Timeline
2012
Adware and premium service abusers become a primary focus of Android malware, with aggressive adware disclosing user data.
2021-04
Samsung's 'Battery and device care' (later 'Device Care') is described as an optimization suite, partnered with McAfee for malware scanning.
2025-06
Device Care is highlighted for optimizing battery, storage, memory, and includes features like 'deep sleeping apps' for battery usage limits.
2025-12
A new 'Block apps with excessive ads' feature, including 'Basic blocking' and 'Intelligent blocking' options, is spotted in One UI 8.5 development.
2026-05
Samsung officially rolls out the Device Care update (version 13.8.80.7) with the 'Excessive Ad Blocking' feature to Galaxy devices, particularly the S26 series, alongside One UI 8.5.
๐ Sources (14)
Factual claims are grounded in the sources below. Forward-looking analysis is AI-generated interpretation.
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Original source: Digital Trends โ