Google’s Android Security Update May Require Users to Upgrade Devices

Google is ramping up security measures for Android, but the changes could leave millions of users needing a new phone within the next 12 weeks.

The tech giant recently outlined its latest efforts to enhance Android security, including AI-powered threat detection, stricter privacy policies, and improved developer tools. In 2023, these measures blocked over 2 million policy-violating apps from the Play Store and banned more than 158,000 developer accounts attempting to publish harmful apps. Additionally, Google prevented 1.3 million apps from gaining unnecessary access to sensitive user data.

However, one of the most significant upcoming changes is the overhaul of the Play Integrity API, which helps developers determine whether an app is being tampered with or running in a compromised environment. Google reports that apps using this feature have seen an 80% decrease in activity from unverified sources, and more than 91% of Play Store downloads now utilize Android 13’s latest protections.

The issue is that roughly one-third of Android devices still run Android 12 or older. With the new security update rolling out in May, users on older operating systems may lose access to certain apps, especially banking and financial services. The updated Play Integrity API will rely more on hardware-backed security signals, making it tougher for attackers to bypass protections. This shift means that apps will assess a device’s security status before functioning properly, potentially limiting access for users with outdated software.

For those unable to update beyond Android 12, a new phone may be the only solution to ensure continued access to essential applications. The deadline for this change is just 12 weeks away, making it crucial for affected users to prepare before the transition takes effect.