Google ‘strongly encourages’ Android users to upgrade their phones NOW as fans bid farewell to much-loved version
GOOGLE has advised Android users to upgrade their phones right now – with the company pulling the plug on a much-loved update.
Android Lollipop, released in 2014, has lost its Google Play Services support after a decade of the operating system.
Lollipop ran both Android 5.0 and 5.1 updates, with the latter one receiving a security update in March 2018.
Fewer than one per cent of all Android users continue to use that version of it.
Play Services updates differ from security updates in that they bring new APIs, security fixes, and compatibility features with the latest Play Store apps, Android Police reported.
This means that compatibility with certain Play Store apps will potentially break in the near future for Lollipop smartphones.
A Google spokesperson said: “We strongly encourage users to upgrade to newer Android versions for the latest features and security enhancements.”
Fans of the update were sad to see it go and shared their thoughts on social media.
One said: “RIP Lollipop you will be missed.”
Another wrote: “Goodnight sweet prince.”
While a third posted: “Ahh there goes my burner phone that I take to concerts.”
The news comes as Samsung has promised seven years of updates for some devices.
Updates help extend a smartphone’s lifespan so you’re less likely to buy a new one – though you’ll still need to take care of it to avoid critical physical damage.
At the start of the year, Samsung announced new Galaxy S24 handsets with the promise of seven years of operating system and security updates.
And the firm has continued the trend with its latest additions, the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.
Android owners have been warned not to use a simple setting on their phones after users of three popular Google devices say they’ve been locked out.
Those with Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6A phones have been taking the internet by storm to complain of the highly inconvenient issue.
Many have reported that their phones are “bricking” after attempting a factory reset, rendering them completely unusable.
Taking to the Pixel Phone Help community group, Google said: “To avoid this issue, we recommend leaving your device powered on and idle for 15 minutes after it has rebooted following a system update.”
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone – with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
For the Galaxy phone, Samsung says it will provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates.
Google
For the Pixel 8, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support.