The majority of scanners, regardless of manufacturer, run on Android. Google regularly releases new versions of Android, with enhanced security, usability improvements and new features. The issue is that as new versions of Android come out, previous iterations lose support, leaving devices vulnerable to data breaches and poor performance.
Why are operating system updates so important?
You might be thinking “If my scanners are still working, why should I replace them?”. But the issue isn’t functionality – it's security. Outdated Android versions no longer receive security updates or bug fixes, making them easy targets for malware or ransomware. A breach caused by unsupported software could cause huge disruptions to your operations, including data loss or system downtime. In contrast, newer versions of Android are actively maintained and regularly patched to guard against emerging threats.
Performance is another key factor. Modern Android updates help keep your devices running fast, stable, and compatible with the latest warehouse apps. If your scanners lag, freeze, or lose connectivity, it can cause real delays on the floor—something no warehouse can afford.
Which version of Android should you be using?
Ideally, you should be running the latest version of Android. Where that isn’t possible, running a version still officially supported by Google is an absolute must.
The current version is Android 15, with Android 16 in beta testing. As of March 2025, Android 12 and Android 12L operating systems had reached “end-of-life" status, meaning that security updates are no longer being performed. Versions released after this (13, 14, 15) are still being supported by Google, with Android 13 expected to reach “end-of-life" status in 2026.
What should you do now?
Check the Android version running on your warehouse scanners. If they can be updated to a supported version, do so as soon as possible. If not, it may be time to consider upgrading to newer devices to keep your warehouse data secure, compliant and efficient.
Data Security for the Mintsoft Mobile App
Mintsoft recently introduced a new and improved mobile app, which is available on Android 11+. While the old app isn’t being retired just yet, the new Mintsoft app is giving users the ability to maintain high levels of data security in their warehouse while accessing new and improved features.
Users migrating to the new Mintsoft app need to ensure that their devices are compatible, as the new app is only available on devices with Android 11 or above. If devices are not compatible, then it may be time to invest in new scanning hardware. Some of the supported devices include Honeywell, Newland and Zebra scanners.
