Google is officially ending support for Android Lollipop, which first came out with the Nexus 6 almost a decade ago. Launched back in November 2014, this version, also known as Android 5.0, was a hit for bringing the Material You design to Android devices for the first time. However, come this month, Android Lollipop devices will no longer receive updates from Google Play Services.
The reason behind this move, according to Google, is that less than one percent of active devices are still running Android Lollipop. This trend isn’t new for Google, as they have a pattern of phasing out support for older versions once their active user base dips below a certain percentage. For example, last year, support was pulled for Android KitKat, which also had less than one percent of active devices.
For those still using Android Lollipop, the devices won’t suddenly stop working. However, they won’t get any new features, crucial security updates, or compatibility with some new apps, especially those that are sensitive like banking apps or popular ones like social media platforms. These apps typically support only the last few Android versions, which leaves Lollipop out in the cold.
Despite this, Android Lollipop holds a special place in Google’s history. It brought significant updates with the introduction of Material You and had a follow-up update, Android 5.1, that rolled out the next year. But with the digital world constantly moving forward, Google is now focusing on newer devices and upcoming OS versions. Android 15 is on the horizon, likely to be discussed at the next Made by Google event on August 13.
Basically, Google’s phasing out Lollipop just falls in line with their ongoing strategy of streamlining support to focus on the majority of their user base who are on newer systems. With Lollipop stepping down, Marshmallow could be the next in line to lose support. It’s all about keeping up with progress and ensuring that resources are allocated to where they’re most needed, adapting to the tech that’s being used by the most people.
