If you own a device that still runs Android KitKat, it will lose a lot of functionality next month, when Google sunsets the software by pulling KitKat’s support for Google Play Services, a core part of the operating system.
Google introduced KitKat, also known as Android 4.4, in September 2013, making the OS a relic by today’s standards. “Since then, we’ve introduced many innovative improvements and features for Android, which are unavailable on KK,” Google says.
In addition, Android KitKat is barely used. “As of July 2023, the active device count on KK is below 1% as more and more users update to the latest Android versions,” Google says. “Therefore, we are no longer supporting KK in future releases of Google Play services.”
Still, KitKat did hold a notable place in Android's history. When it arrived in 2013, the OS received high marks for improving the speeds of Android and offering a cleaner interface. Google’s Nexus 5 was the first phone to carry the operating system.
Loss of support means any device still on KitKat won’t be able to use a variety of apps. Google Play Services offers services like location tracking, mapping, payment processing, online advertising, and single sign-ons, which many third-party Android apps can rely on.
If you still have a KitKat device, consider recycling the hardware or finding another use.
Google pulled the support for KitKat's predecessort, Android Jelly Bean, in August 2021. So users can expect the company to do the same to Android Lollipop, or Android Version 5.0, as soon as next year.
