I’ve seen some alarming stats in my time as a journalist, but this one is a genuine wake-up call for anyone carrying an older device. Google just dropped its latest Android distribution chart, and the numbers are honestly a bit scary.
If you’re holding onto an older phone, you might be part of the 40% of Android users currently sitting ducks for malware and spyware. Here is why you need to check your “About Phone” section immediately.
The Security Dead Zone
I noticed a massive gap in who is actually protected. Google has essentially drawn a line in the sand: if you aren’t on Android 13 or newer, you are no longer receiving critical security patches.
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The Reality Check: Over a billion users are now “off-support.”
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The Data: Android 16 is only on 7.5% of devices, while Android 15 and 14 take up the bulk of the remaining “safe” phones.
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The Risk: New spyware attacks discovered in December specifically target these unpatched vulnerabilities.
The Upgrade Dilemma: Flagship vs. Mid-Range
Interestingly, a lot of us cling to old flagship phones because the hardware still feels premium. But here is my take: A supported mid-range phone is safer than an unsupported flagship. * Why it matters: Once the security updates stop, your banking apps, passwords, and private photos are basically behind a locked door with a missing key. It doesn’t matter how fast the processor is if the software is full of holes.
Google’s Safety Net (The “Band-Aid”)
Google isn’t totally leaving you in the dark, but their solution is more of a safety net than a shield.
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Play Protect: This still scans for malware on devices as old as Android 7.
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App Updates: Individual developers can still update their apps for older phones, but they can’t fix the deep system bugs that hackers love to exploit.
Technical Snapshot: Where Does Your Phone Sit?
Check your version. If you aren’t in the “Safe Zone,” it’s time to start looking at those Samsung Galaxy S26 or Pixel deals.
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Safe Zone (Supported): Android 13, 14, 15, and the new Android 16.
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Danger Zone (No Security Fixes): Android 12, 11, 10, and everything older.
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The Impact: Over 1 Billion users currently exposed.
My Perspective
While Apple is struggling to get people onto iOS 26, their “unsupported” list is tiny compared to Android’s. The fragmentation of Android has always been its Achilles’ heel, and in 2026, that heel is looking more vulnerable than ever. If your phone can’t hit that Android 13 threshold, you’re basically driving a car without insurance.
Do me a favor: Go to your Settings > About Phone right now. What version are you running? If it’s 12 or below, you seriously need to consider an upgrade before the next major spyware wave hits.
