Google has confirmed that Android smartphones running version 12 or older will no longer receive security updates. This decision leaves over one billion devices vulnerable to cyberattacks.
New statistics reveal that approximately 42.1 percent of global Android users are now at risk. Only 57.9 percent of devices run Android 13 or newer, which still receive system-level security support. Experts warn that this leaves millions of users exposed to malware, spyware, and other digital threats.
The ongoing issue is largely due to Android fragmentation. While Google develops the latest OS updates, phone manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola control the delivery. Many devices stop receiving updates after a few years, unlike Apple devices, which continue receiving updates for the majority of iPhones.
Current adoption rates for the newest Android versions remain low. Just 7.5 percent of devices operate Android 16, and 19.3 percent run Android 15. Older versions like Android 11 and 12 remain widely used, leaving many users vulnerable to security risks.
Google has strongly advised users with Android 12 or earlier devices to consider replacements. While Play Protect continues scanning for malware, it cannot replace the essential security patches provided by full system updates.
Security experts have emphasized that unpatched phones leave users vulnerable to financial theft, data interception, and unauthorized access to private information. Users are urged to check their software version under Settings and upgrade to a device supporting Android 13 or higher.
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, staying on outdated versions poses a serious risk. Replacing unsupported devices is the most reliable step to protect personal data and maintain digital security.
In other news read more about: Google Warns 1 Billion Android Users to Upgrade Phones Over Malware Risks
