Google will end Google Play services support for Android 2.3 Gingerbread worldwide in early 2017 by raising the minimum version to Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich with release 10.2.0. This change arrives through the Play services update, not a carrier update. It affects phones and tablets that still run Gingerbread because many apps rely on Play services. The move comes as very few devices use this old version today.
What Will Change For Gingerbread Users
Google Play services will stop updating on Android 2.3 devices once version 10.2.0 rolls out. Core phone features will still work, and the Google Play Store app may open, but many apps that depend on new Play services features will no longer update or may show limited functions.
Most new versions of Google apps and many popular apps will no longer update on Android 2.3 devices. Older installed versions can still run, but new features that need the updated services will not arrive. Security fixes tied to Play services will also stop for Gingerbread.
Some lightweight apps that do not use Play services might continue to work. Web apps in the browser can be a fallback, but performance and security will be below current standards.
Why Google Is Making This Move
Google cited the very small share of devices on Gingerbread and the need to focus on modern Android features. Gingerbread now accounts for about 1.3 percent of active Android devices, according to recent platform data. Supporting very old APIs slows feature delivery and security work for the wider Android base.
Raising the minimum to Android 4.0.1 lets Google ship newer developer tools, better performance, and safer sign in, location, and push features. It also reduces testing time across many Android versions.
Honeycomb era tablets are also outside today’s standards. By moving the baseline to Ice Cream Sandwich and above, Google brings the app ecosystem to a cleaner, faster path.
Timeline And Versions Affected
Google Play services 10.0.0 is the last branch that supports Android 2.3. When 10.2.0 becomes the current release in early 2017, devices on Gingerbread will remain on the older branch and will not receive new Play services features.
| Component | Last Version Supporting Gingerbread | New Minimum Android Version | Rollout Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | 10.0.0 | Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich | Early 2017, staged via Play Store |
| Apps Using Play Services | Existing builds for API 9 | Require API 14 and above | As developers ship new updates |
Rollouts happen in waves through the Google Play Store. Most users will see the change over several weeks. Device makers and carriers do not control this update.
What Users And Developers Should Do Now
If you still use a Gingerbread device, prepare for fewer app updates and features. Upgrading to Android 4.0 or newer is the most reliable fix. If an upgrade is not available, plan for limited app support.
- Check for a system update from the Settings menu to see if your device can move to Android 4.0 or above.
- Back up photos, contacts, and messages before any update or device change to avoid data loss.
- Ask app makers if they offer lite builds or web versions that work without Play services.
Developers should raise minSdkVersion to 14, test sign in, maps, and notifications on Ice Cream Sandwich and newer, and publish updates that remove legacy Gingerbread code paths. This reduces maintenance and improves security for most users.
For users who cannot upgrade, consider basic tasks only, use trusted apps, and avoid sideloading random APKs. This keeps your device as safe as possible while you plan a move to a newer Android version.
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