Recent trends indicate that smartphone users are now holding onto their devices for an average of two and a half years before considering an upgrade. This marks a notable increase from 2016, when users typically replaced their phones every 22 months. The shift reflects a growing sentiment among consumers to maximize the lifespan of their devices.
In a significant turnaround, Android manufacturers have begun to match Apple’s long-standing commitment to providing extended support for their devices. Both Google and Samsung now offer seven years of operating system and security updates for their flagship Pixel and Galaxy models, respectively. This commitment has raised the bar for other brands, prompting them to enhance their support offerings as well. While older smartphones may experience a decline in performance over time, they remain functional as long as their hardware is intact.
However, the experience of using an older Android phone can become increasingly challenging. A recent update from Google has restricted access to the Play Store for devices running Android 6 Marshmallow, raising the minimum supported version to Android 7 Nougat. This change, as noted by Android Authority, marks the end of nearly 11 years of support for Marshmallow, the longest duration for any Android version to date.
How long can an Android phone run the Google Play Store and its apps?
The Google Play Store has maintained an unspoken policy of supporting specific Android versions for approximately a decade following their release. For instance, when support for Android 5 Lollipop was deprecated in July 2024, that version had already been in circulation for over nine years. By December 2025, devices running Android 6 or earlier accounted for a mere 0.4% of the Android install base accessing Play Store services, while 0.8% were still on Android 7.0 and 7.1, coinciding with Nougat’s upcoming 10th anniversary on August 22.
App developers face a stringent set of guidelines to host their applications on the Play Store, which includes adhering to Google’s version targeting protocols. This ensures that updates are compatible with the latest Android features and align with the Play Store’s minimum support standards. For users still on Android Marshmallow, this could mean that many apps may no longer function as intended. Some app publishers may even choose to support only higher Android versions, with platforms like YouTube requiring Android 10 or above.
While it is possible to download apps from alternative sources, such as directly from developers or through other Android app stores like F-Droid or APKMirror, users must remain cautious about version compatibility and functionality. Additionally, the internet capabilities of older devices may diminish over time. Nevertheless, for those determined to extract every ounce of utility from their aging Android phones, there are numerous creative ways to repurpose these devices, ensuring they continue to serve a purpose long after their initial life cycle has ended.
