The era of official security support for Android 12 and its variant, Android 12L, has come to a close. As of March 31, 2025, Google officially halted the backporting of security patches for these versions. Consequently, device manufacturers are now responsible for ensuring the safety of their products running on these outdated systems if they wish to continue providing updates. This transition marks a significant shift in how security is managed for legacy devices.

Historically, Google has played a crucial role in maintaining the security of older Android versions by incorporating necessary patches into earlier releases. However, this practice has limitations. The decision to discontinue patching aligns with Google's standard policy of supporting each Android version for approximately 3.5 years post-launch. Given that Android 12 was released in October 2021 and Android 12L followed shortly thereafter in March 2022, the end-of-life announcement falls within expected timelines. Despite this, a substantial portion of users still operate devices based on these versions, underscoring the ongoing challenge of keeping older systems secure.

Moving forward, the responsibility for securing Android 12 and 12L devices shifts primarily to device manufacturers. While larger companies may possess the resources to independently manage security updates, smaller entities might face difficulties in sustaining such efforts. For consumers, this change serves as a timely reminder to consider upgrading their devices. By transitioning to newer models, users can benefit from the latest advancements in both functionality and protection. It is important to recognize that while certain components like Google apps and Project Mainline modules will continue receiving updates, core Android OS vulnerabilities may remain unaddressed without an upgrade. Thus, embracing technological evolution not only enhances user experience but also reinforces digital safety.