Bad news for millions of Android users, they might have to replace their phones due to…, Google’s new update is…

Google’s Android operating system powers smartphones for millions of people around the world, including in India. But now, many users might soon need to upgrade their devices — especially those using phones running Android 12 or older versions. Google is shifting to a new tool called the Play Integrity API. This system is designed to help app developers detect fraud, bots, and other forms of misuse. It replaces older security methods and gives developers better insights into how their apps are being used.

Better protection against unauthorized access

Google claims that by using this new API, apps will be much safer. According to their data, it can reduce unauthorized access by up to 80 per cent. That means apps will be more secure and less likely to be misused on devices that meet the latest standards.

How will it affect older android devices?

The Play Integrity API is built to work best with Android 13 and newer versions. For those still using Android 12 or earlier, this could mean trouble. Some apps might stop working properly or lose support altogether. In fact, from May 2025, using the updated API will become mandatory for all app developers.

Developers will also be able to monitor how their apps behave on different versions of Android — and may choose to stop supporting older ones for performance or security reasons.

What should you do?

If you’re using an older Android phone, it’s a good idea to:

  • Check your current Android version in your phone’s settings.
  • Consider upgrading your device if it runs Android 12 or earlier.
  • Keep an eye on app updates — if some stop working, this might be the reason.

Millions of users could be affected

According to Google’s latest data, only about half of all Android users currently use Android 13 or a newer version. Roughly 200 million users are still using Android 12 or Android 12L. Google has stopped providing security patches for both these versions, which increases the risk of cyberattacks for users on older devices.

Older phones may need to be replaced

If you’re using a phone with Android 12 or an earlier version, you may be left with two options:

  • Hope your smartphone manufacturer rolls out a new update — which is unlikely for older models and could be costly.
  • Upgrade to a new phone that supports Android 13 or newer to continue receiving full app support and security protection.

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