Google's Android Upgrade—1 Billion Users Need A New Phone
Google has surprised Android users this month, revealing 'there are no Android security patches in the July 2025 Android Security Bulletin.' So not really a security bulletin after all. It's the story same for Pixels, with 'no security patches.'
Pixel users eligible to upgrade to Android 16 should have done so by now, and that version of the OS includes July's patches in its latest update. Samsung has issued its own July update, which it says 'includes patches from Google and Samsung.'
Google says in its latest security bulletin that 'exploitation for many issues on Android is made more difficult by enhancements in newer versions of Android,' warning that 'all users' should update to the latest version of the Android 'where possible.'
While running Android 15 or even Android 16 'where possible' is the ideal, above all it's critical your phone still receives regular (ideally monthly) security updates. And that means running Android 13 or newer. Google no longer supports Android 12 or older.
Android Distribution Chart (from Google's servers).
It is possible for manufacturers to backport fixes for older versions of Android, but that's expensive and unlikely. In reality, all users should run Android 13 at least.
Google's update warning is exacerbated by another new change — expanding the Play Integrity API used by developers to police how apps run on devices. Again the dividing line is Android 13, and apps can now restrict features on older versions of the OS.
Unfortunately, the numbers are stark. As many as 40% of today's global Android install base runs Android 12 or less. Android 14 the most popular version of the OS, and in reality, Android 15 and now Android 16 upgrades will target phones already running Android 13 or better, otherwise it's a case of buying a new device.
And that's the advice for the billion users who are still running Android 12 or less. It's just not worth the risk. You should upgrade your device to ensure you're running a supportable version of Android. That doesn't mean an expensive new flagship, it just means upgrading to something newer and more capable than you're running today.
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