ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Global technology giant Google has officially ended Google Play Services support for smartphones running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow). The move is expected to affect millions of users worldwide, as older devices will gradually lose access to new apps, security updates, and several Google-powered services over time.

Discontinuation of Service

According to Google’s developer documentation and international technology reports, new versions of Google Play Services will now support only devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later. This means smartphones that remain on Android 6.0 will no longer receive future Play Services updates. This transition is a continuation of the industry’s shift toward Pakistan Accelerates Digital Reforms to Boost Connectivity and Economic Growth, emphasizing that hardware and software lifecycle management is critical for digital inclusion.

Impact on Older Hardware

Android 6.0, also known as Marshmallow, was introduced by Google in 2015 and was considered a major upgrade at the time. However, with evolving security requirements and increasingly advanced mobile applications, the operating system has become outdated, prompting Google to discontinue official support. Technology experts emphasise that the decision does not mean Android 6.0 phones will stop working immediately. Users will still be able to make calls, send messages, view photos, and use many of their existing applications. However, the functionality of these devices is expected to decline gradually as software support is phased out.

Functional Limitations

Google Play Services is a core Android component that operates in the background and powers essential features such as Google account sign-in, push notifications, Google Maps, location services, security verification, data synchronisation, and many other functions. Most modern Android applications rely on Play Services to install, update, and operate properly. Experts say that without continued Play Services support, many newly released apps will either no longer install on Android 6.0 devices or will stop receiving updates. Likewise, developers are increasingly dropping support for older Android versions, making app compatibility more limited over time.

Security and Future Outlook

The decision also has significant security implications. Since affected devices will no longer receive the latest Google Play Services updates and security enhancements, they may become more vulnerable to malware, cyberattacks, and other digital security threats. Technology analysts advise users whose smartphones cannot be upgraded beyond Android 6.0 to consider replacing their devices with newer models in order to benefit from improved security, ongoing software support, and access to the latest applications and features. Google says the move is part of its broader strategy to keep the Android ecosystem more secure, efficient, and up to date, noting that the vast majority of Android users worldwide are already running Android 7.0 or newer versions.