IslamabadGoogle has been set to make major changes to Android in an attempt to bridge the privacy gap between Android and iPhone. Although these changes aim to enhance the safety of the user, they can create problems for users who have old devices, as they may lose access to a Google wallet, banking applications and other basic features unless the newest models are upgraded.
Google has recently confirmed that it will repair API Play Integity, a tool that developers use to prevent fraud and robots and use unauthorized application. According to Google, applications that use this application programming interface have already seen 80 % decrease in misuse. The update is designed to make the Play Integity Application interface faster, safer and focus on privacy. However, it will only be available for Android 13 or higher devices, creating a clear gap between subsidized devices and inheritance. This shift may cause problems for many users, especially with applications such as Google and various banking applications that depend on the application programming interface.
The changes in the Play Integity applications interface will change how to perform the applications on different versions of Android. Developers will now be able to restrict application functions for Android 12 or larger devices. This means that users with older phones may face limited application features or lose access completely by simply offering the update. Google has announced that these safety requirements will become mandatory within the next two months.
Currently, approximately 35 % of Android phones are still working on Android 12 or previous versions, which means that millions of users may be affected by these changes, while facing low application functions or increased safety risk.
Google also highlighted the risk of side applications from sources outside the Play Store. The latest results indicate that the Android malware is more than 50 times in the applications that were downloaded through browsers or messaging applications compared to those obtained from Google Play. To combat this threat, Google strengthens Play Protect to provide stronger safety for applications from all sources.
With approximately 500 million Android devices no longer receives updates, these phones are already weak. Another 500 million phones are still receiving limited support, but they are likely to face reduced application functions due to the upcoming changes. If your device is running anything older than Android 13, new updates may mean losing access to important application features, facing safety weaknesses, or facing compatibility problems with basic services. To ensure safe Android experience and reach its full capacity, the upgrade may soon be a necessary, not just an option.
