Google's KitKat Cut-off Leaves 47 Android Models Vulnerable to Hacking

In case you missed it, Google announced earlier this month that it would end support for phones running Android 4.4 KitKat software in August.

While this version represents less than one percent of all devices, News.com.au reports that those still holding onto older Android phones could find themselves vulnerable to hacking and lacking access to certain apps and services.

The same report notes that the KitKat shutdown will affect 47 smartphone models still available in the market.

Android KitKat Shutdown

The decision to terminate support for Android KitKat comes almost a decade after its initial release, marking the end of an era for this operating system.

Manufacturers have gradually stopped supporting devices running Android 4.4, which has weakened their security over time. Users of impacted devices could face a host of challenges, making it essential for them to consider upgrading to a newer and more secure model.

Google Play Cut-off

One of the most significant implications of Google's decision is the limited availability of apps and services for devices running Android KitKat.

As Google Play Services powers the infrastructure behind the Google Play Store and interfaces with Android, the absence of support for Android 4.4 will result in restricted access to a wide range of apps and services.

This means that users will be unable to benefit from the latest features and security updates provided by the Play Store.

Furthermore, developers are also unlikely to build versions of apps targeting lower API levels once support for Google Play Services is dropped.

While many apps and games no longer support Android 4.4, some users may still rely on older versions of apps that they use daily. However, the lack of updates and monitoring for malicious apps from Google could increase the likelihood of hacking attempts on these devices.

Ending Support for Old Versions

With less than 1% of users still using this version, it makes little economic sense for Google to continue investing resources in maintaining compatibility and security for such a small user base.

While this may be an inconvenience for a small fraction of Android users, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping devices updated and replacing old ones altogether.

Affected Models

Here are the smartphone models affected by the change, as reported by News.com.au.

• Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE GT-i9195 1.5GB RAM 8GB
• Samsung Galaxy Note II GT-N7100 2GB RAM 16GB
• Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 SM-G357F 1GB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo Plus GT-i9060I Dual SIM 1GB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy K Zoom SM-C115 2GB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy A7 SM-A700F 2GB RAM 16GB
• Samsung Galaxy J1 DuoS SM-J100H Dual SIM 512MB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy Ace Style SM-G310H 512MB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3 SM-G388F 1.5GB RAM 8GB
• Samsung Galaxy Note Edge SM-N915F 3GB RAM 32GB
• Samsung Galaxy Trend 2 Lite SM-G318H 512MB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy J1 SM-J100H 512MB RAM 4GB
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo LTE+ SM-N7505 2GB RAM 16GB
• Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime SM-G530F 1GB RAM 8GB
• Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus SM-G901F 2GB RAM 16GB
• Samsung Galaxy S III LTE GT-i9305 16GB
• Samsung Galaxy Young 2 SM-G130H Dual SIM 512MB RAM
• Sony Xperia E4g E2003 1GB RAM
• Sony Xperia T3 D5103 1GB RAM
• Sony Xperia C3 D2533
• Sony Xperia E3 D2203 1GB RAM
• Sony Xperia E4 E2105 1GB RAM
• Sony Xperia C3 Dual D2502
• LG G2 Mini D610 Dual SIM 8GB
• LG G Flex D955 2GB RAM 32GB
• LG F60 D390 1GB RAM
• LG L70 D320 1GB RAM
• LG L20 Dual SIM 512MB RAM
• LG L40 D160 512MB RAM
• HTC Desire 610 1GB RAM
• HTC Desire 620G
• HTC One Mini 2 1GB RAM 16GB
• HTC Desire 320 1GB RAM
• HTC Desire 820 2GB RAM 16GB
• HTC Desire 320 1GB RAM
• HTC One Mini 1GB RAM 16GB
• HTC One Max 2GB RAM 16GB
• HTC Desire 620 1GB RAM
• HTC Desire 816 1.5GB RAM
• HTC Desire 626 1GB RAM 16GB
• HTC Desire Eye 2GB RAM 16GB
• CAT S50 2GB RAM
• CAT B15Q Dual SIM 1GB RAM
• Huawei Ascend Mate 2GB RAM
• Yota Devices YotaPhone 2 2GB RAM 32GB
• Alcatel OneTouch Pixi 3 4027D Dual SIM 512MB RAM
• Doro Liberto 820 Mini 512MB RAM

Stay posted here at Tech Times.