Millions of Android users at risk with Google’s new update

Starting May 2025, Google’s mandatory update will require developers to adjust apps based on Android versions, offering enhanced security and speed for devices with Android 13 and newer, while potentially causing app failures on older versions

Google is making significant changes to its Android platform, which could impact millions of users still running older versions of the operating system, particularly Android 12 or earlier. The update centres around Google’s Play Integrity API, a system designed to combat fraud, bots, and abuse within Android apps.

According to Google, apps utilizing the API have experienced an 80% reduction in unauthorized usage. However, with an upcoming change, devices running Android 12 or earlier will be affected more severely, leading to potential app failures or disruptions.

This update, which becomes mandatory starting May 2025, will force developers to adapt their apps based on the version of Android the user is running. Devices using Android 13 and newer will benefit from faster, more secure, and private experiences thanks to the enhanced Play Integrity API. On the other hand, users with older versions could see their apps malfunction or fail altogether due to the lack of compatibility with the new system.

Android users at risk with outdated versions

The timing of this update is concerning, as a significant portion of Android users are still on older versions of the operating system. Google’s data shows that over half of active Android devices are running Android 12 or earlier, and approximately 200 million devices are stuck on Android 12 or 12L, both of which are no longer supported with security patches. This leaves many users vulnerable to attacks and breaches as critical security updates are no longer available.

Additionally, Google’s new security requirements for Android 13 and above will also affect users of older devices. For instance, banking apps and other high-security apps will now check if the device has received a security update in the past 12 months. If not, certain functions like money transfers will be disabled, further hindering the usability of older devices.