In a significant update, Waze has announced that it will soon restrict access to new app updates for users with older Android devices. This change comes as part of the forthcoming updates that raise the system requirements for the popular navigation app.
The latest version of Waze for Android, specifically v5.9.90 and higher, will now require users to have Android 10 or above. This is a noticeable shift from the previous requirement of Android 8.0 or higher, which was used for the existing stable version. Though Waze has not yet made this update available to the general public, beta users are already experiencing changes.
Some beta users have reported encountering a pop-up message within the Waze beta versions, which informs them that support for Android 9.0 has officially ended. While the complete details of this notice were not disclosed, it indicates that users on older Android versions will still be able to use the Waze app; however, they will not receive any new updates or features moving forward.
This transition means that, over time, the app may eventually cease to function for those on outdated operating systems, although the timeline for this is currently unclear. As users transition to newer versions of Android, keeping the app updated will be crucial for optimal functionality and access to the latest features.
Waze is anticipated to start rolling out these changes to non-beta users shortly. Typically, it takes about one to two weeks for a beta version to become available to the stable user base. Despite the changes being noted in beta versions since late July, the Play Store has yet to reflect this requirement in stable releases.
It is worth noting that while Waze is enhancing its requirements, Google Maps continues to support devices running Android 8.0 and above. As of earlier this year, only a small fraction—approximately 5.8%—of Android devices were operating on Android 9.0 or older. This indicates a significant portion of users will still be able to access Waze without immediate concerns.
In addition to these changes, Waze has plans to integrate various types of road alerts in the near future. The app recently introduced a themed icon in its latest update and is rolling out version 5.4, which brings maps to the heads-up display in select vehicles. Users can expect continuous improvements and features as Waze adapts to the changing landscape of mobile technology.
