Google Play Store Update
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Google Play Store Update to Affect 1 Billion Devices – Banking & Wallet Apps at Risk

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Google Play Store Update May Disable Banking Apps on 1 Billion Phones

A forthcoming Google Play Store update threatens to disrupt mobile banking and payment services for nearly 1 billion Android users worldwide. The change primarily impacts devices running older Android versions, potentially leaving users without access to critical financial apps.

Which Devices Are Affected?

The update will particularly affect:

  • Phones running Android 5.0 Lollipop (API 21) or older
  • Devices that haven’t received security updates in several years
  • An estimated 1 billion active devices still using these outdated systems

Why Google is Making This Change

Google states this move is necessary to:
✔ Enhance overall security for Android users
✔ Reduce vulnerabilities in outdated systems
✔ Maintain compliance with financial industry standards
✔ Improve performance of Google Play Services

What Will Stop Working?

Affected users may lose access to:

  • Google Wallet and other payment apps
  • Mobile banking applications
  • Apps relying on Google Play Services for authentication
  • Some security-dependent services

How to Check if Your Device is Vulnerable

  1. Go to Settings > About Phone
  2. Check your Android version
  3. If it shows 5.0 (Lollipop) or older, your device is affected

Solutions for Affected Users

  • Upgrade your device to one running Android 6.0+
  • Check with your bank for alternative access methods
  • Consider using mobile browser versions of banking services
  • Backup important transaction data from your apps

The Bigger Impact

This change highlights:

  • The growing security demands of digital finance
  • The challenge of outdated devices in developing markets
  • Increasing pressure on users to upgrade hardware