APKMirror recently unveiled three beta versions of the Android Auto app (version 15.5), each necessitating Android 9.0 or a later version for installation. This clearly indicates that the stable version 15.5 will not be accessible for any devices operating on Android 8.0 or previous versions.
While Google has not provided a specific rationale for this decision, it is not entirely unexpected; companies generally discontinue support for outdated hardware and software after a certain time. For instance, Microsoft has ceased updates for systems running Windows 10. Similarly, older smartphones may not receive the latest Android releases. The reason for this is that older hardware and software are frequently incapable of supporting new functionalities, such as Gemini AI in the context of Android Auto. Even when some newer features can be compatible, older devices fail to deliver an optimal experience. Therefore, instead of offering users a subpar experience, companies choose to halt updates for their older products.
Thankfully, Google’s choice will not affect the overwhelming majority of Android users, since according to Composables.com, merely 4% of active Android users possess devices running Android 8.0 and 8.1, which are the versions impacted by this recent change.
