Google's new security libraries show apps which fixes your phone has. Owners deserve the same view.
Android's security patch date is meant to sum up your phone's safety. Google now admits that single date leaves a lot out.
On September 18, Google released AndroidX Security State libraries that let apps check security status part by part.
Apps can see installed, published and staged patches across the system image, Google Play system modules and the kernel.
All of this richer data is available to apps, yet owners still see only one patch date in Settings.
Google should add a component security page to Settings, starting on Pixels, and push every phone maker to share the data.
Your Android Patch Date Tells Half the Story. Google Should Show You the Rest