Surfshark, a prominent player in the VPN market, has recently issued an important advisory for users of older Android devices. In a blog post shared last week, the company has officially announced the discontinuation of support for the Android 5.0 (Lollipop) operating system. While this decision has been in effect for some time, Surfshark has taken the opportunity to clarify the implications for users still relying on this outdated platform.
Transitioning to Modern Standards
The cessation of updates for Android 5.0 signifies a strategic pivot for Surfshark as it focuses on enhancing its infrastructure in line with its 2026 roadmap. This roadmap emphasizes depth and adaptability, ensuring that the app remains compatible with future Android iterations while phasing out support for legacy systems. By prioritizing modern security standards, Surfshark is making a clear statement about the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements.
One of the key motivations behind this shift is the introduction of advanced features, such as post-quantum encryption. This cutting-edge cryptographic technology is designed to safeguard against emerging threats, but its implementation requires system dependencies that cannot be securely managed on older Android kernels. As a result, users are encouraged to upgrade their devices to at least Android 6.0 or higher to continue receiving official app support and the latest security enhancements.
For those who may still be using legacy hardware, Surfshark has noted that manual connections remain an option. However, the company strongly recommends transitioning to more current operating systems to fully benefit from the robust security features and updates that are now standard in their offerings.
