Google Calendar is the go-to calendar app for Android users as well as iPhone and PC users. The Calendar app integrates well with several other Google services like Gmail, Reminders, and Notes, as well as third-party apps like Teams and Zoom. This app offers features such as creating events, scheduling meetings, and setting reminders.
However, if you are still using a smartphone with an older version of the Android operating system, you may need to update your device soon to use this app.
Google Calendar ends support for older Android devices
TheSpAndroid’s AssembleDebug discovered that the latest Google Calendar app (v 2023.46.0-581792699-release) has a flag named “UnsupportedOperatingSystem__enabled”. This flag prompts users on unsupported operating systems to update to Android Oreo (8.0) or a later version for continued access.
This means the Google Calendar app may no longer work on Android smartphones or tablets running Android 7.1 or lower.
Why did Google remove support for the Calendar app from older Android versions?
According to the report, the main reason for ending support for older Android operating systems is likely due to security concerns. There’s no denying that older versions of Android no longer receive regular updates, especially security updates, making them more susceptible to vulnerabilities, attacks, and data loss.
Additionally, new Android versions offer improved security and better protection against data loss or theft.
This is not a new process for developers. They keep removing support for older operating systems to keep their apps more up-to-date, feature-rich, and secure. WhatsApp continues to end support for older devices, and similarly, Google also ended support for Nougat with the Chrome 120 update.
What can you do?
Here are some solutions. First, you can continue to use the existing version of the Calendar app on your device by disabling the auto-update feature or installing an older version of the app. But it leads to security issues and makes it more vulnerable.
The second option is to update your phone to Android 8 Oreo or later versions, if available. This not only maintains support for the Google Calendar app, but also improves overall security on your device.
Finally, if your phone has finished its update cycle and there are no updates available, buy a new phone.
However, if you are still using a smartphone with an older version of the Android operating system, you may need to update your device soon to use this app.
Google Calendar ends support for older Android devices
TheSpAndroid’s AssembleDebug discovered that the latest Google Calendar app (v 2023.46.0-581792699-release) has a flag named “UnsupportedOperatingSystem__enabled”. This flag prompts users on unsupported operating systems to update to Android Oreo (8.0) or a later version for continued access.
This means the Google Calendar app may no longer work on Android smartphones or tablets running Android 7.1 or lower.
Why did Google remove support for the Calendar app from older Android versions?
According to the report, the main reason for ending support for older Android operating systems is likely due to security concerns. There’s no denying that older versions of Android no longer receive regular updates, especially security updates, making them more susceptible to vulnerabilities, attacks, and data loss.
Additionally, new Android versions offer improved security and better protection against data loss or theft.
This is not a new process for developers. They keep removing support for older operating systems to keep their apps more up-to-date, feature-rich, and secure. WhatsApp continues to end support for older devices, and similarly, Google also ended support for Nougat with the Chrome 120 update.
What can you do?
Here are some solutions. First, you can continue to use the existing version of the Calendar app on your device by disabling the auto-update feature or installing an older version of the app. But it leads to security issues and makes it more vulnerable.
The second option is to update your phone to Android 8 Oreo or later versions, if available. This not only maintains support for the Google Calendar app, but also improves overall security on your device.
Finally, if your phone has finished its update cycle and there are no updates available, buy a new phone.