Google Play Store upgrade requires Android 13 or higher

Google is making changes to its Play Store that could require many users to upgrade their phones. The company is focusing on improving security and privacy on Android devices, similar to what iPhones offer. Currently, about 500 million Android phones no longer receive updates, making them vulnerable to security threats. An additional 500 million phones are still supported, but they may also need replacement. Google highlighted its new "Play Integrity API," which helps protect apps from various issues like fraud and data theft. The API will now be stricter, creating a clearer distinction between newer and older phones. Devices running Android 13 and above will benefit from faster and more reliable security features. Some apps may work differently or be limited on phones running Android 12 or lower. These changes will be mandatory in two months. Statcounter reports that around 35% of phones are still using Android 12 or older systems. Google also warns against sideloading apps, as it poses significant security risks. Their analysis shows that sideloaded apps are associated with much more malware compared to apps downloaded from the Play Store. In summary, if your phone is out of support, it's essential to upgrade. If you're using a device older than Android 13, some of your apps may not function properly after the upcoming changes. A newer phone may be necessary to maintain full app functionality and security.