New security feature in Android 14: Old apps can be blocked

New instructions for the upcoming version of the Google operating system indicate that Android 14 will get a new security feature that completely prevents the installation of old and not updated applications. This is to reduce the risk of apps containing malicious code and security vulnerabilities if you do not use the latest features and security measures on the Android platform.

Recently, the guidelines were updated to now require Play Store apps to target Android 12 or later, but this only applies to apps intended for the Google Play Store. Developers are still able to develop apps for older versions and have users install them “outside” of the Play Store. The instructions also didn’t cover existing installs, so if an Android app hasn’t been updated since the instructions changed, the Play Store will continue to provide the app to those who previously installed it.

This seems to be changing with Android 14 as the requirements are expected to become more stringent and completely prohibit the installation of old apps, whether they are apps found in app stores or trying to install apps manually, as well as apps that have not been updated. This is because the security functionality is implemented at the operating system level rather than as part of, say, the Play Store.

Initially, the ban will only cover very old apps but it is expected to raise the threshold fairly quickly to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and then continue to increase it gradually.