Waze, the navigation application owned by Google, will no longer work on certain Android phones, so users will soon lose access to the application updates, and in the medium term they risk not to use the service.
The Waze application will no longer work on older Android models. Photo: Archive
The American giant Google not only chose to keep the Waze platform separate from Google Maps, but constantly updates it with new functions and improvements. However, as Waze evolves, its technical requirements increase, and the older versions of Android are left behind.
In recent weeks, several users have reported that they have started receiving notifications that are warned that the application will no longer operate on certain old android versions. A case reported on Reddit describes the situation of a driver whose “After Market” navigation unit, based on Android 9 Pie, received the message that he will no longer receive updates.
Minimum Android 10
Analyzing the recent versions of the application, Phonearena, Android Authority and Android Headlines publications confirm that the Beta A Waze version is already asking Android 10 as a minimum.
This change in particular affects those who use old navigation tablets, car infotainment systems with integrated Android or phones that have not received update to Android 10.
What happens to old models
Currently, Waze will continue to operate on Android 8 Oreo and Android 9 Pie, but only with the existing functions. Users will no longer receive improvements, corrections of new errors or functions, although traffic updates and community reports will remain available for a limited period.
For those who cannot or do not want to move to a newer device, Google Maps remains a viable alternative. Unlike Waze, the application continues to operate on Android versions starting with 8 Oreo and receives regular updates.
Specialists point out that Google decision reflects a general trend in the industry: reducing support for outdated software platforms, in favor of optimizing, security and integration of more modern technologies.
In the case of Waze, this means that in order to stay up -to -date with functions and to avoid compatibility problems, users must ensure that they use Android 10 or a more recent version.
