Over a billion Android users find themselves needing a device upgrade to access the latest Android version.
In a move aimed at bolstering the security and performance of Android devices, Google is expanding its Play Integrity API to police apps on devices running Android 13 and newer versions. This shift comes as Google has ceased support for Android 12 and older versions, making it essential for users to upgrade to a more secure and capable device.
The expanded API will help ensure that apps on Android 13 and newer versions maintain their intended functionality and security, as they can now restrict features on older versions of the OS. This is particularly important as new security threats emerge, and older versions may lack the necessary protections.
For those still running Android 12 or older, upgrading to a supportable version of Android is advised. Devices running Android 13 or newer are more likely to receive regular security updates and patches, which address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. The July 2025 Android Security Bulletin, for instance, primarily targets devices on Android 13 or newer, leaving older versions increasingly vulnerable.
Moreover, Android 13 and newer versions introduce advanced security protections. These include improved sandboxing, better app permissions, and enhanced security modes, such as the Advanced Protection mode in Android 16. These features significantly reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation of security flaws.
Google's Play Protect service, which is enabled by default on devices with Google Mobile Services, is optimized for newer Android versions. It actively monitors for harmful apps and provides warnings, offering additional layers of protection.
Unfortunately, many devices on Android 12 or older are no longer receiving critical security patches. For example, the July 2025 security update for Pixels is available to a wide range of current Pixel devices, but not to those on much older Android versions. This leaves these devices more susceptible to malware, data breaches, and other security threats.
It's important to note that without regular security patches, devices are more susceptible to exploits. Exploits targeting older Android versions can persist unpatched, making these devices attractive targets for attackers.
In summary, upgrading to Android 13 or newer ensures users benefit from the latest security, features, and ongoing support, while remaining on older versions exposes devices to greater risks and limitations. Approximately 40% of global Android install base runs Android 12 or less, and it's crucial for these users to consider upgrading to a newer and more capable device to ensure their security.
[1] Google Play Integrity API Expands to Police Apps on Devices: https://developer.android.com/blog/news/integrity/play-integrity-api-expansion [2] Android 13 and Beyond: What You Need to Know About Security Updates: https://www.androidcentral.com/android-13-beyond-what-you-need-know-about-security-updates [3] July 2025 Android Security Bulletin: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-07-01 [4] Android 13: Everything You Need to Know: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-13-everything-you-need-to-know/ [5] Pixel Devices Not Receiving July 2025 Security Update: https://9to5google.com/2025/07/01/pixel-devices-not-receiving-july-2025-security-update/
- As the technology landscape evolves, Google's warning regarding the lack of support for Android 12 and older versions emphasizes the need for users to upgrade to Android 13 or newer, as these versions offer improved security and performance, thanks to the expansion of Google Play Integrity API and regular security updates.
- In the world of technology, the comparison between Android 13 (and newer) and older versions such as Android 12, iPhone, Pixel, and Samsung devices, sheds light on the enhanced security protections, like improved sandboxing and advanced protection modes in Android 16, which contribute to a reduced risk of successful exploitation of security flaws, thus creating a more secure environment for users.
