Search giant Google has confirmed apps such as YouTube, Gmail and Google Maps will be blocked this week on a number of phones as part of a huge update.
Many Android users will be locked out of the old software and find themselves unable to access the apps, report the Daily Record.
Anyone who owns an Android 2.3 will need to update their phone or buy a new handset if they don't want to be blocked.
READ MORE: White stag killed after being cornered by police
Google confirmed the deadline on its website after withdrawing support for the operating system which launched in December 2010.
That's because older systems are more vulnerable to bugs and hackers, with the latest version being Android 11.
Google said the huge update is "part of our going efforts to keep our users safe".
Millions of phones will be locked out of YouTube, Google Play Store, Google Maps, Gmail and Google Calendar.
This includes:
- Sony Xperia Advance
- Lenovo K800
- Sony Xperia Go
- Vodafone Smart II
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Sony Xperia P
- LG Spectrum
- Sony Xperia S
- LG Prada 3.0
- HTC Velocity
- HTC Evo 4G
- Motorola Fire
- Motorola XT532
It comes amid reports WhatsApp will also stop working on a swathe of Android and Apple devices later this year.
From November 1, 2021 WhatsApp will remove support for a number of Samsung, LG, Huawei and Apple handsets which could potentially stop millions of users accessing messages, photos, and videos from friends, family and work colleagues.
Google says: "As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our users safe, Google will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27, 2021."
