Google has issued a serious global warning, revealing that more than 40 percent of Android smartphones currently in use are at risk of new cyberattacks, including malware and spyware threats. The announcement has raised alarm among cybersecurity experts, as it suggests that over a billion users may now be using devices that no longer receive essential security protections.
According to an international news agency, Google has rolled out a fresh Android security update and confirmed that a significant portion of Android devices worldwide remains exposed. The company stated that more than 40 percent of all active Android phones are vulnerable to emerging cyber threats due to outdated operating systems that no longer receive critical security patches.
Older Android Versions No Longer Protected
Google clarified that smartphones running Android 12 or older versions are no longer supported with major security updates. As a result, these devices are unable to defend themselves against modern malware, spyware, and other advanced cyberattacks that have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years.
The company further confirmed that only around 58 percent of Android devices globally are still covered under Google’s current security support framework. This means that nearly half of the Android ecosystem is operating without official protection, creating a massive security gap that cybercriminals can exploit.
Security analysts warn that unsupported phones are particularly vulnerable because attackers often target known weaknesses that are never patched on older software versions.
Concerning Data From Google’s Latest Android Distribution Report
Google’s latest Android distribution chart, based on data collected in December, paints a concerning picture of how slowly users are adopting newer operating systems. Despite Android 16 being the latest version, it was found on only 7.5 percent of devices worldwide at the time of data collection.
Android 15 was installed on 19.3 percent of phones, Android 14 on 17.9 percent, and Android 13 on 13.9 percent. These four versions are especially significant because Google now limits full security support to Android 13 and newer releases.
This means that any device running Android 12 or earlier has effectively fallen outside Google’s security safety net, even if the phone itself is still functional and widely used.
Over a Billion Users Facing Elevated Cyber Risk
Experts estimate that more than one billion Android users worldwide are now exposed to increased cyber risks without any official method to secure their devices through software updates. For many users, especially in developing markets, upgrading to a newer phone is not always financially feasible.
Without security updates, these phones remain susceptible to data theft, unauthorized surveillance, banking fraud, and identity misuse. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated systems to gain access to personal photos, contacts, messages, and even financial information stored on devices.
Technology analysts warn that this situation could lead to a surge in large-scale cybercrime campaigns targeting Android users who are unaware of their phone’s vulnerability.
Why Android Faces a Bigger Update Challenge
Unlike Apple, which controls both hardware and software, Android operates across thousands of devices from multiple manufacturers. This fragmented ecosystem often results in delayed updates or no updates at all for older or budget smartphones.
Even when Google releases a new Android version, many manufacturers and network providers take months to roll it out, while some devices never receive it. As a result, millions of users remain stuck on outdated software despite Google’s efforts to improve security.
Apple Faces Upgrade Issues, But Risks Are Short-Term
The report also highlights that Apple is facing some challenges in encouraging iPhone users to upgrade to iOS 26. Until users update their devices, they too remain exposed to certain security risks. However, experts note that Apple’s issue is largely temporary.
Historically, most iPhone users upgrade to the latest iOS version within months of its release. Additionally, the number of iPhones that are completely out of Apple’s support system is relatively small compared to Android’s unsupported devices.
This contrast underscores a major difference between the two ecosystems, particularly when it comes to long-term software support and security consistency.
What Android Users Should Do Now
Cybersecurity experts strongly advise Android users to check their phone’s operating system version immediately. If a device cannot be upgraded to Android 13 or a newer version, users are urged to seriously consider replacing it with a more recent model.
While installing antivirus apps and avoiding suspicious downloads can reduce risk, these measures cannot replace official security updates. Unsupported phones will continue to face increasing threats as hackers develop new attack methods that target known system flaws.
Users are also encouraged to back up important data, avoid using outdated devices for online banking or sensitive communications, and remain cautious when installing third-party applications.
A Growing Digital Security Challenge
Google’s warning highlights a broader issue in the global smartphone market: the growing divide between supported and unsupported devices. As cyber threats evolve, access to regular security updates is becoming just as important as hardware performance.
Without significant changes in update policies or user upgrade habits, millions of Android users may remain exposed in the coming years. The situation serves as a reminder that digital security is no longer optional but a critical necessity in an increasingly connected world.
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