Google has decided to end support for Android 12., a widely used version of its mobile operating system. This move, while expected due to the company's usual policy regarding the lifespan of Android, is surprising given the number of devices still running this edition. From now on, users who maintain Android 12 on their devices will no longer receive security updates and technical support directly from Google, a fact that necessarily represents a significant change in the mobile security landscape.
The news has had a significant echo in the technological community and among users, given that Android 12 enjoyed widespread popularity and was adopted by numerous device manufacturers.The end of support means that any new security holes discovered will not be patched by Google, leaving devices more vulnerable to external threats.
What does the end of support for Android 12 mean?
From this moment, Any mobile phone or tablet that continues to use Android 12 will no longer receive monthly security patches or have access to official technical support.This means that users are more vulnerable to potential attacks, malware, or attempts to steal personal data. Furthermore, app developers could begin reducing their apps' compatibility with this version, gradually leading to a loss of functionality.
For manufacturers, Google's decision also represents a change in their update and support policies. Devices launched with Android 12 that have not yet received an official update to newer versions, like Android 13 or higher, run the risk of becoming obsolete at a functional and security level.
Why is Google stopping updating Android 12?
Google's policy is keep their operating systems supported only for a limited period of timeThe main objective is to ensure the platform's security, performance, and compatibility with the latest technologies. Once an Android version reaches a certain number of years on the market, it is considered to have reached the end of its life cycle, and resources are prioritized for newer versions.
Android 12 was released in 2021 And since then, Google has advanced with several generations of its mobile operating system. As new features and security fixes are implemented in later versions, maintaining support for older versions becomes increasingly complex and expensive.
Risks for users who maintain Android 12
The fact that Android 12 is no longer supported opens the door for new security flaws, discovered by researchers or attackers, to remain unresolved.This can translate into the possibility of viruses, Trojans, or vulnerabilities that could allow the theft of private information, banking data, or unauthorized access to the device. Mobile phones that continue to use this version are also at a disadvantage compared to the latest digital threats.
Furthermore, the lack of updates doesn't just affect security. System stability and overall performance can also degrade over time, especially as applications are no longer optimized for unsupported versions.
Market impact: millions of devices affected
Google's discontinuation of Android 12 potentially affects millions of mobile phones and tablets worldwide. Although many manufacturers have already begun rolling out Android 13 or even Android 14 to their product lines, There is still a significant user base that either has not received the update, or they cannot install it due to hardware limitations.
Some smartphones, especially mid-range and low-end ones, tend to run out of new versions of Android more quickly, leaving owners of these devices to rely solely on temporary security patches offered by the previous version. With the withdrawal of support, these users must Seriously consider upgrading to a more modern device or looking for alternatives such as custom ROMs to remain protected..
What options do affected users have?
Following the official discontinuation of support, the best recommendation is to update to the latest version of Android available for your device. Manufacturers often release new updates, even if they're somewhat behind Google's schedule, so it's a good idea to check the settings menu to see if an update is pending.
If your device doesn't support newer systems, there are alternatives such as installing customized versions of Android (known as Custom ROMs). Independent developer communities often offer longer-term support for popular models. However, this process requires some technical knowledge and may void your warranty or lose data if not done correctly.
For those who can't update or prefer to avoid complications, strengthening digital security habits is essential. This means Do not install applications from unknown sources, keep accounts protected with strong passwords, and enable two-step verification.Additionally, it may be advisable to consider changing your device if your phone starts experiencing compatibility issues or slowdowns due to a lack of updates.
Manufacturers and their update policies
Each Android phone manufacturer has its own policy regarding support duration. Generally, leading brands offer at least two or three years of operating system updates and security patches, although this guarantee typically applies only to high-end models. For mid-range and low-end models, the support period can be considerably shorter.
The withdrawal of support for Android 12 puts pressure on manufacturers to speed up the update process to newer versions.Device managers who are stuck on this version will need to consider whether it's feasible to offer an additional update or, failing that, clearly communicate the end of support to their customers.
Which devices are most affected
Previous-generation devices, especially those released between 2021 and 2022 with stock Android 12, are the most affected. Many of them, although still functioning correctly, will be excluded from the official update cycle unless the manufacturer decides to release a final update. For brands with fewer resources or a smaller international presence, the transition can be particularly uneven.
Users of Google Pixel phones, for example, typically receive support for longer periods of time., but those who have opted for lesser-known brands could find their device no longer serviced much sooner.
Medium-term consequences: safety and everyday use
In everyday life, there likely won't be any immediate changes to your phone's performance after the removal of support. However, as the months go by, the risk of security breaches and the possibility of important apps no longer being supported will increase. Banking services, streaming platforms, and even messaging apps may require newer versions of Android to function properly.
Similarly, the removal of the support may affect app updates through Google Play, since developers usually set a minimum version for their products as the operating system progresses.
Is there any temporary solution?
For those who cannot change terminals immediately, Keeping installed application software up to date and limiting the use of non-essential apps can help mitigate risks.It's also recommended to install reputable security applications and avoid granting excessive permissions to third-party programs. However, these are temporary solutions, as full protection is only guaranteed through official system updates.
Security recommendations for Android 12 users
- Don't download apps from outside of Google Play and always check the permissions each app requests.
- Consider changing your phone number if your activity depends on banking services or sensitive messaging..
- Keep your data's automatic backup options active.
- If you decide to install a Custom ROM, follow reliable guides and make a full backup before starting.
The importance of keeping your mobile phone up to date
Google's decision underscores the importance of keeping both the operating system and applications up to date. In a context where digital security is increasingly important, using older, unsupported versions poses a clear risk that each user must evaluate. For many, the best alternative is to migrate to devices compatible with the latest versions of Android, thus ensuring a more secure, fluid, and technologically compatible experience.
The end of support for Android 12 represents a turning point for many users and manufacturers. Now more than ever, it's important to stay tuned for updates and don't miss out on software updates to avoid unnecessary scares and enjoy a phone that's always protected against the threats of the digital world. Share this guide so other users know about the topic.