Google's decision to block apps on older Android devices may seem like a bad move, but it could ultimately better protect users.
De-Googling Any Android Phone! (Google Apps Alternatives)
It’s easy to see any opportunity that big tech companies take to cut off access to older devices as a way to push users to upgrade or buy new ones. However, that’s not the case with Google’s latest move to block apps on Android phones running Android 2.3. 7 or earlier. According to experts, Google’s claim that the move will help provide a more secure environment for Android and Google users is actually true, and therefore necessary.
“The main benefit of such a decision for Android users is the improvement of their data security and privacy,” Ilya Amialiuk, Android tech lead at Orangesoft, told Lifewire in an email.
While many users hold on to phones and other smart devices for years (there’s not always a reason to upgrade if the device still works), those devices become less secure over time. While they may still receive some security updates, most manufacturers begin to phase out security updates three to four years after a phone’s initial release. Others may start even earlier.
