Google Ends Play Services Updates for Android Lollipop: What This Means for Users
In a significant move, Google announced it would end Google Play Services updates for Android Lollipop devices. First hitting the market in November 2014, the Lollipop operating system has had a long run, introducing the inaugural iteration of Material Design to Android. Despite this, Lollipop now accounts for less than 1% of active Android devices.
What Is Google Play Services?
For those who might not be familiar, Google Play Services is a backend service crucial to the operation of several first-party features. It powers functionalities such as backup and two-factor authentication, as well as developer capabilities. Essentially, even after a device stops receiving monthly OS updates and security patches, it still could get new versions of Google Play Services. However, that won’t be the case for Lollipop devices anymore. This change will come as a disappointment for those clinging to older devices.
Why Is Google Making This Change?
The decision to stop updating Play Services for Lollipop aligns with a general trend in tech: focusing resources on current technologies. As one Google spokesperson noted, “Lollipop devices will continue to function but won’t receive any new features, important security updates, and may not be compatible with some apps.” Google has similarly ended support for previous Android versions when they fell below 1% usage, such as Android 4.4 KitKat. For context, the most used Android versions as of recent include Android 13, 12, and 11, making up almost 60% of active devices.
What Does This Mean for Lollipop Users?
There are several implications for the users who have held onto their Lollipop devices:
- No New Features or Security Updates: Users won’t receive any new functionalities or security patches, which means the device may become more susceptible to security vulnerabilities.
- App Compatibility Issues: Some apps may no longer work properly if they rely on updated Google services. Over time, this could cause more and more apps to malfunction or become unusable.
- Lack of Support: With no new Google Play Services updates, troubleshooting issues becomes harder, as the latest fixes won’t be applicable to these older devices.
In simpler terms, while your Lollipop device will still turn on and function, its future usability will become progressively more limited. This loss of essential updates can make everyday tasks and security more of a headache over time.
The Road Ahead
Google strongly encourages users to upgrade to newer operating system versions for a slew of reasons: better features, enhanced security, and overall improved performance. With modern Android smartphones now receiving around seven years of promised security updates, the gap in support between older and newer devices is widening significantly.
For example, the latest Google Pixel 8 series phones have guaranteed updates until 2030 and 2031, setting a new standard for OS longevity. Comparatively, Lollipop devices stopped receiving security updates as far back as March 2018.
What Can Users Do?
If you are still using a Lollipop device, here are some steps you can consider:
- Upgrade Your Device: The most straightforward solution is to purchase a newer Android device, which will receive the latest updates and support.
- Download Security Apps: While they won’t replace system-level security updates, some third-party apps can offer additional layers of protection.
- Use Web Versions of Apps: For some incompatible applications, using web-based versions can be a temporary workaround.
Looking Ahead
Google’s move to end Play Services updates for Lollipop isn’t unique but a sign of a broader trend in technology: maintaining focus on newer, more capable hardware while allowing legacy systems to phase out. As disappointing as it might be for users of these older devices, this shift will likely lead to more stable and feature-rich updates for the Android ecosystem’s vast majority.
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Mehek 
Divya