Google will block outdated apps from running on Android P.

Move comes as firm looks to improve security of mobile OS.

GOOGLE'S UPCOMING Android P OS will reportedly block apps built for Android 4.1 and lower.

So says Android Police, which reports that Google is taking steps to stop outdated apps from running on the next version of Android.

Google already stated that future versions of Android would block apps that don't target a recent API level, but there weren't any specifics. Now Android Police, via Reddit, has spotted a new MIN_SUPPORTED_TARGET_SDK_INT class that identifies the minimum API level that is supported by the upcoming mobile OS.

The report mentions that the minimum API level for Android P defined by the new class is v17, i.e. Android 4.2.

What's more, in the recently-released Android P Developer Preview 1, Google warns users when they open an ageing app, throwing up the message: "This app was built for an older version of Android and may not work properly. Try checking for updates, or contact the developer."



By Carly Page.
Full story at The Inquirer.