Google is rolling out a major security update for Android, bringing it closer to iPhone-level privacy. However, this shift could leave millions of users with older devices unable to access essential apps, including Google Wallet and banking services.
At the heart of this change is the Play Integrity API, designed to combat fraud, unauthorized access, and bot activity.
Google’s latest upgrade enhances security, speed, and privacy—but there’s a catch. Only devices running Android 13 or newer will support these improvements. Phones using Android 12 or older may lose access to apps relying on this API, including financial services.
Developers will now have the power to restrict functionality on outdated devices, meaning some users may find their favorite apps limited or entirely blocked. Google has confirmed that these new security measures will become mandatory within two months, urging users to upgrade.
Currently, around 35% of Android devices—nearly 1 billion worldwide—are running outdated software, putting them at risk of losing access to critical services. Google also warns against sideloading apps, as malware threats are significantly higher outside the Play Store.
