New Play Store Upgrade Will Stop Google Wallet, Banking Apps From Working on 1 Billion Phones

Google is making significant changes to Android’s security framework, aimed at narrowing the long-standing gap between Android and iPhone privacy standards. However, this push for better protection may come at a cost for users with older devices — many may need to upgrade to continue receiving full functionality and safety, which includes the use of Google Wallet and other banking apps.

A Major Shift in Android Security Policy

In a recent announcement, Google confirmed changes to the Play Integrity API, a tool developers use to detect fraud, cheating, bots, and unauthorized app usage. The company claims apps using this feature already report an 80% drop in misuse compared to others.

Google is overhauling the Play Integrity API to make it more secure, faster, and privacy-focused, but it will only be available for devices running Android 13 or higher. This change introduces a firm line between supported and legacy devices, which could affect the app experience for millions of users. Most banking apps and Google Wallet use this API and could stop working once the update hits.

Older Devices at Risk

According to Google, the API changes will impact how apps behave on different Android versions. Developers will be able to limit or modify app functionality based on the device’s Android version, especially for devices running Android 12 and older. This effectively means that users with older phones might see reduced app capabilities or lose access to features altogether.

These new security requirements will become mandatory within two months. Based on data from Statcounter, roughly 35% of Android phones still operate on Android 12 or earlier, placing them directly in the category where app performance could be limited or security compromised.

Sideloading Still a Major Threat

Google also reiterated the risks of sideloading apps from non-Play Store sources. The company’s latest analysis found that Android malware is over 50 times more prevalent in apps downloaded from browsers and messaging apps than in those downloaded from Google Play. With sideloading remaining a key threat vector, Google is enhancing Play Protect to better scan and secure apps from all sources.

Time for an Upgrade?

There are currently around 500 million Android phones that no longer receive updates — these devices are already vulnerable. Another 500 million still receive limited support but could face reduced app functionality due to these upcoming API changes.

If your device runs anything older than Android 13, these updates mean you might lose access to key app features, face higher security risks, or simply find your phone less compatible with essential services. As the new standards become mandatory, upgrading to a supported device may no longer be optional — it may become necessary for a secure and fully functional Android experience.