If you have been using an old Android smartphone for a long time, there is some crucial news for you. Google has discontinued support for Google Play Services on the older Android operating system, ‘Android 6.0 Marshmallow.’ This essentially means that in the near future, it will become impossible to download new apps from the Play Store, update existing apps, or play games on these older Android phones.
Will your phone stop working immediately?
No. If you own a phone running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, it will not stop functioning completely right away. You will still be able to make calls, send messages, take photos, and use pre-installed apps. However, the performance of your apps will deteriorate over time. As app developers stop supporting older Android versions, many apps may fail to open or start crashing.
A major downside of losing Google Play Services support is the security risk. Older smartphones will no longer receive new security updates, making it easier for hackers to compromise your data. Additionally, if you attempt to download a new app or game from the Play Store, you may encounter compatibility errors.
How to check your phone’s Android version?
First, go to your phone’s Settings.
Scroll down and tap on ‘About Phone’ or ‘About Device.’
Navigate to ‘Software Information’ and check the Android version.
If your phone is running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or a newer version, there is no need to worry. However, if it is stuck on Android 6.0, it is time to get a new phone.
