A Billion Android Smartphones Are Losing Protection: Experts Urge Users to Update

January 05, 2026 | 17:00 |3998

Around one billion Android users are at risk of losing their personal data. Every third smartphone owner uses Android 13 or older versions, which are no longer receiving protection against hackers.

Older operating systems are not safeguarded against modern hacking methods. Manufacturers release security “patches” only for newer versions. If your phone has not been updated for more than six months, passwords and banking applications may be at risk.

In the past, smartphones were supported for only 2–3 years. Devices released in 2022 and earlier are now mass losing technical support and security protection.

ORIENT