Drivers, beware! Waze is ending support for a bunch of Android devices

If you are using Waze on an older Android device, we have bad news for you. Google has decided to end support for the navigation app for all devices with Android 9 Pie and older. Beta version 5.9.90 already requires at least Android 10, while the current stable version still works from Android 8.0.

This is not a small group of users. According to official statistics, 12.4% of all Android devices still run on version 9 or older. And these are not just old phones hidden in a drawer – the problem primarily concerns third-party automotive infotainment systems, which often receive no updates.

What does this mean in practice?

Users of older Android versions will soon see a notification that their device will not receive new features or updates. The app will not stop working yet – you will still be able to navigate, receive real-time traffic information, and use community reports about accidents or police checks.

However, without updates, it’s a ticking time bomb. Over time, individual features will stop working, until eventually the app ceases to function entirely. When exactly this will happen, no one knows – it could be a matter of months, or even years.

The biggest problem? Cars with Android

While replacing an old phone isn’t such a big problem, cars are a different story. Many third-party automotive infotainment systems (which you can buy, for example, on Aliexpress) run on a modified Android that often never receives a single update. Owners of such vehicles will suddenly find themselves in a situation where one of their key navigation functions gradually stops working.

Are there alternatives?

The good news is that Google Maps currently supports Android 8.0 and higher. So, for users of older devices, there is at least a temporary alternative. But who knows how long that will last – Maps will also limit their support eventually.

For owners of older cars with Android, a solution might be to use a phone with Android Auto, if their system supports it. Or, conventionally – a phone holder and navigation directly from the mobile. It’s not elegant, but it works.

Why is Google ending support?

From a technical perspective, ending support makes sense. Maintaining compatibility with old versions means limiting the development of new features and increasing security risks.

Drivers, beware! Waze is ending support for a bunch of Android devices Jakub Kárník News Jakub Kárník News

The change should appear in the stable version within a few weeks. Beta versions with the new requirements have been circulating since late July, so the official release is just around the corner. If you are among the affected users, it’s time to start looking for alternatives.

Does the end of Waze support affect your device too?

Source: 9to5google