Android 17 will block non-accessibility apps from using the Accessibility API under Advanced Protection Mode to reduce malware abuse.
Android 17 introduces a new security feature in Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) that blocks apps without accessibility functions from accessing the Accessibility API. The change, first reported by Android Authority and included in Android 17 Beta 2, aims to prevent malware from abusing these services to spy on users, steal data, or control devices.
The AccessibilityService API allows apps to interact deeply with the Android interface to help people with disabilities navigate and control their devices. Apps designed for accessibility can declare the isAccessibilityTool attribute and are exempt from some disclosure requirements.
However, this powerful access has been abused by malware in the past. Malicious apps have used the API to read screen content, capture keystrokes, click buttons automatically, grant themselves permissions, and steal sensitive data such as banking credentials. Because it can control the interface, attackers have leveraged it to perform fraud, install additional malware, and bypass security prompts.
The new feature adds stricter security settings, including blocking app installs from unknown sources, limiting USB data access, and requiring Google Play Protect scans. The update also restricts use of the Accessibility Services API, allowing only verified accessibility tools marked with the isAccessibilityTool="true" flag. Developers can detect when the mode is enabled using the AdvancedProtectionManager API and adapt their apps with stronger security controls.
“Designed as an opt-in feature, AAPM is activated with a single configuration setting that users can turn on at any time to apply an opinionated set of security protections. These core configurations include blocking app installation from unknown sources (sideloading), restricting USB data signaling, and mandating Google Play Protect scanning, which significantly reduces the device’s attack surface area.” reads Google’s announcement. “Developers can integrate with this feature using the AdvancedProtectionManager API to detect the mode’s status, enabling applications to automatically adopt a hardened security posture or restrict high-risk functionality when a user has opted in.”
According to Google, only tools such as screen readers, switch-input systems, voice input tools, and Braille access apps qualify as accessibility tools. Other apps, like antivirus, automation tools, assistants, cleaners, password managers, and launchers, do not.
Android 17 also introduces a new contacts picker that lets apps request access only to specific contact fields, such as phone numbers or email addresses, or allows users to share selected contacts with third-party apps. According to Google, this feature improves privacy by limiting data access while offering built-in search, profile switching, and multi-selection without requiring developers to build their own interface.
“The Android Contact Picker is a standardized, browsable interface for users to share contacts with your app. Available on devices running Android 17 or higher, the picker offers a privacy-preserving alternative to the broad READ_CONTACTS permission. Instead of requesting access to the user’s entire address book, your app specifies the data fields it needs, such as phone numbers or email addresses, and the user selects specific contacts to share.”states Google. “This grants your app read access to only the selected data, ensuring granular control while providing a consistent user experience with built-in search, profile switching, and multi-selection capabilities without having to build or maintain the UI.”
For three decades, the Subaru Outback has occupied a unique corner of the automotive world, carving out a niche that sits comfortably between a family wagon and a mountain-climbing SUV. With over three million sold since its debut, the Outback has become the literal and figurative utility player of the Subaru lineup.
Now entering its seventh generation, the 2026 Outback arrives when the average new vehicle price is at an all-time high, yet Subaru has kept its starting MSRPs reasonable, even dropping them in some instances. If you’re cross-shopping the Outback against other mid-size crossovers, here are the six best things about the 2026 Subaru Outback.
6
Affordable
High-value MSRP relative to the national average
One of the most compelling arguments for the 2026 Outback is its value proposition. While the average price of a new vehicle is hovering around or above $50,000, the Outback starts significantly lower.
The entry-level Premium begins at $36,445 (including destination), a figure that undercuts many rivals while still including standard all-wheel drive and a comprehensive suite of tech and safety features. Even the feature-heavy Touring XT and Wilderness trims typically stay under that $50,000 national benchmark, making the Outback a financially savvy choice for families.
Here is a fast trim level breakdown. The starting MSRP figures include the $1,450 destination fee.
Base Trim Engine
2.5-liter four boxer
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Premium
Starting MSRP: $36,445
Heated seats.
Black rear badging.
Cargo tonneau cover.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power rear gate w/ automatic close.
Removable rear trailer hitch bumper cover.
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels w/ dark gray finish.
An optional package for the Premium adds rain-sensing wipers, cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof for $2,270.
Limited
Starting MSRP: $43,165
Navigation.
Power moonroof.
Harman Kardon stereo.
Wireless smartphone charger.
Heated rear seats and steering wheel.
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels w/ matte black finish.
Two optional packages are available for the Outback Wilderness. The first adds a moonroof, navigation, and a surround-view monitor for $2,045.
The second includes those, plus Nappa leather seats with copper stitching, ventilated front seats, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat for an additional $4,090.
581-mile range, standard AWD, and updated safety features.
5
Two capable powertrain options
Standard Symmetrical AWD
Credit: Subaru
Two Boxer (i.e., horizontally opposed) engines are available for the 2026 Outback, depending on the trim level. Premium, Limited, and Touring feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower (5,800 rpm) and 178 lb-ft. of torque (4,800 rpm).
Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness have a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower (5,600 rpm) and 277 lb-ft. of torque (2,000 to 4,800 rpm). Despite being a turbo engine with a higher power output, it does not require premium fuel.
The X-MODE system is also standard, which can be used on a muddy path, a gravel road, or during a snowstorm. X-MODE uses the same sensors as the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, making additional adjustments to the Outback to ensure the best possible traction.
4
Significant tech leap with Snapdragon power
Owners can create individual profiles
Subaru has addressed the issue of infotainment lag, one of the biggest complaints from previous owners. The 2026 Outback features an all-new infotainment system, with navigation map swipe now up to three times faster, audio screen transitions up to six times faster, and overall scroll response up to two times faster. Notable updates and improvements include:
Optimized Display: A 12.1-inch higher-resolution touchscreen replaces the previous 11.6-inch unit. The screen reduces unwanted glare and light reflections by up to 80%.
Better Graphics: Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Automotive Processor, it features an octa-core architecture and an Adreno GPU.
More Memory: Approximately 2.5 times faster computing performance, with memory doubled from 4 GB to 8 GB and storage expanded from 64 GB to 128 GB.
Connectivity: Supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Google Built-in services (Google Assistant/Maps), and automatic updates.
Personalization: Owners can create individual profiles and configure the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to highlight certain features and information. The 12.3-inch cluster is also new for the 2026 Outback.
While the overhauled infotainment system is a selling point, one current 2026 Outback owner has reported that Apple CarPlay functionality and the wireless charging pad don’t always work as intended.
Brand
AstroAI
Capacity
Up to 8 car tires (single charge)
This AstroAI mini tire inflator is perfect for keeping in your glove box when traveling. It’s portable and battery powered, meaning you don’t have to plug it in to use it. Plus, you’re able to set the exact tire pressure you want it to inflate to and it’ll automatically stop when it reaches that pressure.
3
Return of physical climate controls
Small things add up
Credit: Subaru
In a rare move that prioritizes driver ergonomics over minimalist trends, Subaru has brought back physical buttons and knobs for the climate control system. While the large 12.1-inch screen handles navigation and media, the often-used functions, like cabin temperature and fan speed, can now be adjusted by feel without taking your eyes off the road.
According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study, infotainment touchscreens are the study’s most problematic category, with consumers expressing a general dislike for what is sometimes described as “infotainment creep.” Subaru’s decision to have physical buttons for some of the most common vehicle functions is a small change that buyers are likely to appreciate.
Better than a generic tablet glued to the dashboard.
2
Advanced “hands-off” driving system
Using GPS and 3D maps
Every 2026 Outback is standard with Subaru’s EyeSight package, which includes active safety features such as haptic steering wheel alerts, automatic emergency steering, lane keep assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, and reverse automatic braking.
Also standard is a feature called Emergency Stop Assist, which will stop the 2026 Outback if the driver becomes unresponsive while using the adaptive cruise control. Once stopped, the Outback can activate the hazard lights, unlock the doors, and call 911.
The Touring and Touring XT are standard with Highway Hands-Free Assist. Using GPS data and 3D high-definition maps, the system can manage steering, braking, and lane changes on compatible highways with an attentive driver. Highway Hands-Free Assist does require an active MySubaru Companion or Companion+ subscription, which typically includes a five-year trial for 2026 models.
1
Genuine off-road capability
Plenty of ground clearance
Credit: Subaru
Unlike many “soft-roaders” that simply add plastic cladding, the 2026 Outback offers hardware that backs up its muscular look, especially with the Wilderness model.
Every Outback comes with at least 8.7 inches of clearance to begin with, but the Wilderness trim bumps that to 9.5 inches. Combine that with the all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires, electronically controlled dampers, all-weather floormats, and ladder-style roof rails, and the 2026 Outback Wilderness is the ideal weekend getaway vehicle.
Wilderness models also have a variation of X-MODE called Dual Mode, which includes specific settings for snow, dirt, and mud, along with hill descent control.
Red carpet treatment, even if you buy something used.
Charitable causes and factory warranty
While the 2026 Subaru Outback makes a strong case for itself through an optimized infotainment system and rugged hardware, the ownership experience extends beyond the driver’s seat. For many buyers, the appeal of a Subaru lies in the brand’s alignment with social and environmental causes.
A prime example is the Subaru Love-Encore program launched in partnership with Gifts for Good. The program invites new customers back to the Subaru dealer about two weeks after purchase to meet with a staff member who can answer any questions they have about their new Subaru.
At that time, customers can choose either a mission-aligned product or direct the gift’s value to charity. Each physical gift is an ethically sourced product that comes with a story card, so customers can read about the impact the gift selection has made. Customers also have the option to redeem the gift’s value towards a charitable cause.
Every 2026 Subaru Outback has a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
March 16, 2026
