Skipping app updates for a short time usually doesn’t cause serious problems; however, continuing to do so can lead to the loss of some important features and increased security risks. If you ignore software updates for a long time, your phone and personal data may become vulnerable to security threats.
App updates on Android and iOS are not mandatory, and both operating systems allow users to manage automatic updates. A user may postpone installing a new version due to lack of storage space or concern about a change to a favorite feature. However, new app versions typically include security fixes and user-interface changes in addition to new features.
For users who want more control over updates, regularly reviewing the release notes for each version can be useful. This information is available on the app pages in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. If an update only includes minor changes, you can postpone installing it for a while; but if it mentions security fixes or significant changes in functionality and interface, it’s better to prioritize the update.
Old apps can create security risks
By 2026, there will be about 324 million smartphone users in the United States. A high number of smartphone users, if security practices are not followed, can mean more potential targets for cybercriminals and an increased amount of information at risk.
Security and privacy are among the most important reasons to update apps. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency also recommends that users install updates as soon as they become available.
Not updating apps can be one of the mistakes that endangers personal information security. This is especially important for apps that manage account login information, messages, photos, videos, or other sensitive data.
Alongside apps, the phone’s operating system should also be kept up to date. Google’s Threat Analysis Group and the Australian Computer Society have identified older operating systems as vulnerable to certain malware. Examples mentioned include the Coruna exploit kit, which targeted older iPhone models, and the Rafel RAT malware that affected older Android devices.
Some features and content may no longer be available
Keeping an app old sometimes not only means missing new features but may eventually cause the app to stop working properly or even become completely inaccessible.
This is especially important for apps that rely heavily on online servers. Social networks, messaging services, content streaming platforms, and cloud-based games are among the apps that require continuous connection to their servers to function correctly.
Developers of such apps usually release multiple updates. Although frequently installing these versions may annoy users, these updates are released to maintain proper app functionality, compatibility with new services, and to provide new features.
If an app is not updated for a long time, the old version may no longer support the latest features, content, or technical requirements. Frequent crashes, a slowing user interface, or persistent prompts to install the new version can indicate the necessity of updating the app.
What if the phone doesn’t support the new version?
Sometimes the problem isn’t the app itself and its new version requires a newer Android or iOS version, while the user’s phone cannot receive that update.
In such cases, freeing up storage space or using the web version of the service can resolve some issues. However, if the phone can no longer receive security updates or several essential apps no longer run on it, this situation may indicate that the device is aging and needs to be replaced.