Over one billion Android smartphones worldwide are now at increased cybersecurity risk after Google confirmed that devices running Android 12 or earlier will no longer receive security updates. Without system-level patches, these phones are vulnerable to malware, spyware, and other cyber attacks. Users of older versions are now exposed to potential hacking and data theft.
How Many Devices Are Affected
Recent statistics reveal that about 42.1% of Android devices still run Android 12 or older, while only 57.9% run Android 13 or newer. Adoption of the newest versions is slow: 7.5% of devices use Android 16, 19.3% use Android 15, and older versions like Android 11 and 12 remain widely used. This shows how a large portion of users are still on unsupported software.
Why This Problem Exists
The main issue is Android fragmentation. Google releases updates, but manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola are responsible for delivering them. Most phones receive updates for only 2–3 years, after which they stop getting security patches. This contrasts with Apple devices, where most iPhones run the latest two iOS versions, keeping users safer.
Google Recommendation
Google has instructed that devices unable to upgrade beyond Android 12 should be replaced. Although Play Protect still scans for malware, it cannot substitute critical system-level security updates. Using outdated devices increases the risk of banking theft, message interception, and unauthorized access to personal information.
What Users Should Do
Users should check their software version in Settings → About Phone → Software Information. Devices running Android 12 or older should be upgraded to modern devices running Android 13 or higher. This ensures ongoing security and protects sensitive personal and financial data from cyber threats.
Conclusion
Continuing to use phones with outdated software is unsafe. With more than 4 out of 10 Android users on unsupported versions, upgrading to a newer device or a supported Android version is essential. Staying informed and proactive is the key to protecting your data in today’s digital world.