Waze is poised to implement a significant change regarding app updates for its users on older Android devices. The latest beta version, Waze v5.9.90, introduces a new requirement: users must have Android 10 or higher to access future features and updates. This marks a shift from the previous requirement of Android 8.0 or higher, which has been the standard for the existing stable version.
While the full rollout of these requirements to the general public has yet to occur, beta testers have already encountered a notification within the app. This message indicates that support for Android 9.0 has officially ended. Although users on older versions will still be able to utilize the app, they will no longer receive updates or new features, effectively limiting their experience.
As a consequence of this transition, it is anticipated that the app may eventually cease to function entirely for those on outdated systems, though the timeline for this is uncertain. The change is expected to reach non-beta users soon, typically within one to two weeks following the beta release. Notably, APKMirror has indicated that this update has been in circulation since late July, yet the Play Store has not yet reflected this change in its stable releases. It is worth mentioning that Google Maps continues to support devices running Android 8.0 or higher, highlighting a divergence in support strategies between the two applications.
As of earlier this year, only 5.8% of Android devices were operating on Android 9.0 or older, suggesting that the majority of users are already on more recent versions. This strategic move by Waze may encourage users to upgrade their devices, ensuring they remain connected to the latest navigation features and improvements.
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