42% of Android users miss this critical update
Android users may not be as up-to-date on their phones as they think, as a recent Android Authority survey reveals that many users are overlooking Google Play system updates, which are just as vital as regular software updates.
The survey of Android Authority readers aimed to gauge awareness of Google Play system updates, highlighting a need for Google to improve the visibility of these updates.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Monthly updates: 49.3% of over 7,000 respondents reported keeping up with monthly updates.
- Lack of awareness: A combined 41.7% admitted they either forget to download the updates, don’t know what they are, or aren’t even aware they exist.
One survey participant said, “I have OCD, and I’m old school. I restart/reboot my phone every Sunday morning after checking for all the updates.” However, another user pointed out, “Rebooting your phone doesn’t help. Mine reboots (intentionally) every Monday, but the last Play system update was July 2024.”
Image: Android Authority
The survey also found that some users install Play system updates every few months, indicating inconsistency in staying current.
A survey respondent shared that these updates don’t always install automatically after device restarts, saying, “I always check for updates, but they don’t show up until a few hours later when I notice the ‘Finishing System Update…’ notification in the background.” These crucial updates should be seamlessly integrated into the update process.
The survey indicates a need for Google to make Play system updates more visible, easier to install automatically, and integrated seamlessly into the update process.