Waze, a leading navigation app known for its community-driven approach and real-time crowd-sourced updates, has announced that it will no longer support Android devices running versions below 10. The latest beta version, 5.9.90 and higher, now requires a minimum of Android 10, marking a significant step up from the previous requirement of Android 8. This change means that users on older Android versions will no longer receive updates, including critical navigational improvements, bug fixes, and new features that are typically rolled out every few months.
While users on older devices may still be able to run the app, they will miss out on the latest enhancements that Waze is known for. The shift to Android 10 reflects a common pattern in app development, where companies increasingly focus on newer operating system versions to leverage advanced features and enhance security. For most modern Android users, this change should not be a significant issue, but it poses a challenge for those who still rely on older hardware, especially in their vehicles.
Google Maps continues to support Android 8 and 9, offering an alternative for users who are unable to upgrade their devices. However, Waze’s strength lies in its real-time, crowd-sourced reporting of incidents, police traps, road hazards, and gas prices, features that many drivers value above those offered by Google Maps. As a result, users who depend on Waze for daily navigation will need to consider whether upgrading their device or switching to supported apps like Google Maps is the better option.
The decision by Waze to drop support for older Android versions underscores the growing importance of keeping devices up to date to access the latest technology and security enhancements. Users are encouraged to assess their current hardware and decide whether an upgrade is necessary to continue enjoying the full range of features that Waze offers.