Google has issued a major mobile security update warning that more than one billion Android smartphones worldwide are now vulnerable to cyber threats. According to the tech giant, these devices are no longer receiving essential security updates, leaving them exposed to modern hacking techniques.
In an official statement, Google confirmed that smartphones running older versions of its Android operating system have effectively fallen out of its security support cycle. Devices that do not receive regular patches are particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals, who exploit known vulnerabilities to steal personal data, take control of devices as part of botnets, or spread malware such as ransomware for financial gain.
Google revealed that Android phones released in 2021 or earlier are especially at risk. While Android 13 currently runs on about 57.6% of active devices, a significant portion of users are still operating on outdated versions of the software. Alarmingly, around 7.26% of smartphones are still running Android 10, an operating system that is no longer fully supported by Google’s latest security infrastructure.
Although some applications may continue to function on older Android versions, Google cautioned that security is no longer guaranteed. For instance, while apps like Google Maps may still run, the encryption and secure handling of data sent to and from these devices cannot always be assured.
Google also clarified that while its Play Protect service offers baseline protection for devices running Android 9 and later, it cannot replace missing system-level security patches. This limitation means that Play Protect alone is insufficient to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks that exploit unpatched vulnerabilities.
In response, Google is urging users to consider upgrading to newer smartphones and to prioritize manufacturers that offer long-term operating system and security update commitments. Brands such as Samsung and Google’s own Pixel lineup stand out in this regard, with some models now guaranteed up to six years of operating system updates and as many as eight years of security patches.
Meanwhile, adoption of Google’s latest Android 16 operating system remains relatively low. According to Google Threat Intelligence, only about 6.5% of devices are currently running Android 16, with the majority still relying on older software versions.
Adding to the speculation, industry insiders suggest that Google may be planning a major shift in its operating system strategy. Reports indicate the company could merge Chrome OS—currently used on tablets and PCs—with future versions of Android. The unified platform, rumored to be called Aluminum OS, is expected to enhance productivity, simplify development workflows, and deliver a consistent operating system experience across smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
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