42% of Android devices are now vulnerable to security risks
42% of Android devices are now vulnerable to security risks
Publish Date: 2026-02-08 07:48:00
Source Domain: www.newsbytesapp.com
Devices running Android 12 or older version will no longer receive security patches
What’s the story
Google has warned that a large number of Android devices are vulnerable to malware and spyware attacks.
The issue stems from the company’s decision to stop providing security patches for devices running Android 12 or older versions.
This affects an estimated 42.1% of all Android phones, leaving them open to potential hacking attempts and other risks.
Android fragmentation issue
The problem of Android fragmentation is a long-standing one, with Google not controlling when or if phone makers push updates.
Companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Motorola manage their own schedules and often abandon devices after just a few years.
As a result, only 57.9% of all devices are running Android 13 or newer versions.
Contrast with Apple’s update system
Unlike Android, Apple controls both hardware and software, allowing it to push updates to older iPhones more consistently.
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