Google’s Android 14 will block installation of outdated apps from Play Store: report

Google rolled out the latest Android 13 operating system last year and is now set to introduce the next version of Android, Android 14, later this year. The next version of Android will get an extra layer of security that will prevent malicious apps from making their way to smartphones. A recent report suggested that the upcoming Android 14 will block the installation of outdated apps that target older versions of Android – Android 12 or lower.

According to a report from 9to5Google, a new code change shared by Google suggests that Android 14 will come with stricter API requirements that will prevent users from downloading an outdated app, as well as prohibit the sideloading of APK files potentially. dangerous. Not only that, but the upcoming software update will also limit the installation of these apps from the app stores.

The report noted that Android 14 will initially restrict apps that target older versions of Android (Android 12 or lower), and later it will be extended to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow). The code change released by the tech giant indicates that the upcoming software update will block the installation of apps that lack the minimum installable SDK version. He added that the new changes will improve security and privacy, as malware targets older versions of the SDK. Google plans to increase the minimum version of the installable target SDK to version 23 for Android U.

Google updated its guidelines for API level requirements for newly listed Play Store apps this month. He asked app developers to target at least Android 12 (API level 31) or higher. However, these API requirements currently only apply to apps from the Google Play store; users can still download outdated apps by manually downloading the APK file. Additionally, users who already installed these apps before the guidelines update will continue to access them.

Meanwhile, Google hasn’t revealed anything about the rollout of Android 14 beta and its stable version. The Android 14 update is expected to arrive in the coming months.