Google has issued a striking warning to Android users, confirming that around 40% of Android phones worldwide are now vulnerable to malware and modern spyware attacks due to the end of security support.
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According to the company, users who fall into this category are urged to upgrade to a new phone as soon as possible.
42% of Android Phones No Longer Protected
The core problem lies in the fact that Google no longer provides security updates for phones running Android 12 or earlier.
This means that devices released in 2021 or earlier are no longer protected against the latest cyber threats, according to a report published by PhoneArena.
Android version distribution figures show that only 57.9% of phones are running Android 13 or newer, meaning that 42.1% of Android devices are effectively exposed to attacks.
Estimates suggest this figure represents around one billion users worldwide, a number that has remained unchanged since the end of last December.
Observers attribute this situation to Android’s fragmentation problem, as Google develops the operating system while dozens of companies manufacture the devices—unlike Apple, which controls both hardware and software, allowing for faster and more unified updates.
Shocking Android Update Numbers
Data reveal that only a small percentage of users are running the latest versions of the operating system:
Android 16: 7.5%
Android 15: 19.3%
Android 14: 17.2%
Android 13: 13.9%
Meanwhile, the following versions no longer receive any security updates:
Android 12: 11.4%
Android 11: 13.7%
Android 10: 7.8%
Android 9: 4.5%
Android 8: 2.3%
By comparison, StatCounter data show that iOS 26 runs on about 50% of iPhones, while the previous version, iOS 18, runs on 40% of devices—highlighting the significant gap between the two ecosystems.
Google: The Solution Is a New Phone
Google stresses that users who cannot upgrade to Android 13 or newer should seriously consider purchasing a new phone.
The company does not require buying an expensive flagship device, noting that a mid-range phone can be a safe option as long as it supports recent Android versions and receives monthly security updates.
At the same time, Google points out that Google Play Protect still provides basic protection for devices running Android 7 and above, through malware definition updates and real-time scanning.
However, the company emphasizes that this does not compensate for the absence of operating system security updates.
Real Risks to Data and Money
Google warns that ignoring this issue could expose users to serious risks, as malicious attacks may steal login credentials for sensitive apps, such as banking and trading services, potentially leading to significant financial losses.
Under these circumstances, nearly one billion Android users are left with only two options: continue using an outdated phone with growing security risks, or follow Google’s advice and purchase a new device that ensures protection and ongoing security updates.
