Google's KitKat Cut-off Leaves 47 Android Models Vulnerable to Hacking

John Lopez, Tech Times 27 July 2023, 03:07 pm

In case you missed it, Google announced earlier this month that it would end support for phones running Android 4.4 KitKat software in August.

While this version represents less than one percent of all devices, News.com.au reports that those still holding onto older Android phones could find themselves vulnerable to hacking and lacking access to certain apps and services.

The same report notes that the KitKat shutdown will affect 47 smartphone models still available in the market.

Android KitKat Shutdown

The decision to terminate support for Android KitKat comes almost a decade after its initial release, marking the end of an era for this operating system.

Manufacturers have gradually stopped supporting devices running Android 4.4, which has weakened their security over time. Users of impacted devices could face a host of challenges, making it essential for them to consider upgrading to a newer and more secure model.

Google Play Cut-off

One of the most significant implications of Google's decision is the limited availability of apps and services for devices running Android KitKat.

As Google Play Services powers the infrastructure behind the Google Play Store and interfaces with Android, the absence of support for Android 4.4 will result in restricted access to a wide range of apps and services.

This means that users will be unable to benefit from the latest features and security updates provided by the Play Store.

Furthermore, developers are also unlikely to build versions of apps targeting lower API levels once support for Google Play Services is dropped.

While many apps and games no longer support Android 4.4, some users may still rely on older versions of apps that they use daily. However, the lack of updates and monitoring for malicious apps from Google could increase the likelihood of hacking attempts on these devices.

Ending Support for Old Versions

With less than 1% of users still using this version, it makes little economic sense for Google to continue investing resources in maintaining compatibility and security for such a small user base.

While this may be an inconvenience for a small fraction of Android users, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping devices updated and replacing old ones altogether.