2 Billion Android Phones Can Malfunction Due To Recent Google Update: What To Do Next? – Trak.in

Starting May 2025, a significant shift in Android app behavior is coming, and it could disrupt users still on Android 12 or earlier. Google is mandating an update to its Play Integrity API—a tool designed to detect fraud and enhance app security. This update empowers developers to limit or alter how their apps run based on a user’s Android version.

Why Android 13 Is Now the Minimum Standard
Devices running Android 13 or newer will enjoy smoother, faster, and more secure app experiences. However, older phones are at serious risk. Apps could begin to break, lose features, or stop working entirely on outdated software. Google’s latest data reveals that over 200 million users are still on Android 12 or 12L—both of which have already reached end-of-life and are no longer receiving security patches.

New Rules Could Disable Critical App Features
Beyond functionality issues, apps—especially those handling sensitive data like banking and finance—will now require that a user’s device has received a security update within the past 12 months. If not, essential features such as money transfers could be restricted. This could leave many users locked out of vital services, even if the app itself is still installed.

Device Manufacturers May Not Offer Support
While some phone makers might offer temporary patches for Android 12, such support is rare, expensive, and unreliable. Most older devices are unlikely to meet the new compliance standards, making it nearly impossible to continue using certain apps securely and effectively.

Time to Act: Update or Replace Your Device
The solution is simple but urgent. If your phone supports Android 13 or higher, update immediately. If not, it may be time to invest in a newer device. With both security and functionality at stake, staying on an outdated Android version is no longer a safe option.

Upgrading now will ensure continued access to secure and fully functioning apps.