Public Bank, one of Malaysia's largest financial institutions, has announced an important update for its mobile banking customers. Soon, the MyPB app—the bank's official mobile banking platform—will require Android 12 or iOS 16 as the minimum operating system to continue functioning.

This move is part of a broader trend among banks and tech companies to modernize mobile apps, enhance security, and ensure compatibility with newer features. But what does this mean for customers, and why does it matter? Let's break it down.

Why Public Bank Is Making This Change

Mobile banking apps have become a lifeline for millions of Malaysians, offering convenient access to fund transfers, bill payments, credit card management, and even loan applications. However, the banking industry also faces constant threats from cybercriminals.

Older operating systems are notorious for their security vulnerabilities, as they stop receiving timely updates from Google (for Android) or Apple (for iOS). By raising the minimum requirement to Android 12 (released in 2021) and iOS 16 (released in 2022), Public Bank is effectively cutting off support for older devices that may no longer receive critical security patches.

This ensures the MyPB app can run on platforms that are better equipped to support advanced encryption, biometric authentication improvements, and newer app frameworks that enhance both performance and user experience.

Which Devices Will Be Affected?

In short, if your smartphone is more than 5 to 6 years old, there's a high chance it won't be eligible for updates.

What Customers Should Do Next

Public Bank customers have a few options to ensure uninterrupted access to the MyPB app:

Security and Customer Trust: The Bigger Picture

This update is not unique to Public Bank. Banks worldwide are enforcing stricter requirements for their digital platforms. The reasoning is simple: protecting sensitive financial data is non-negotiable.

By setting Android 12 and iOS 16 as the baseline, Public Bank ensures:

For customers, it might feel inconvenient—especially if it forces a device upgrade—but in the bigger picture, it's a step toward safer, faster, and more reliable mobile banking.

How This Fits Into Malaysia's Digital Banking Landscape

Malaysia is rapidly embracing digital-first financial services, from Bank Negara's push for e-wallet adoption to the entry of new digital-only banks. For traditional banks like Public Bank, keeping their mobile apps competitive is crucial.

Features like instant transfers, DuitNow QR, cardless withdrawals, and mobile investment platforms demand robust security frameworks that simply don't exist on older phones.

Public Bank's decision highlights a key reality: to enjoy the latest conveniences in digital banking, customers must also keep their devices reasonably up to date.

Final Thoughts

While the move to raise the minimum OS requirement to Android 12 and iOS 16 might cause some frustration among users with older phones, it's ultimately about ensuring safety and keeping pace with technological change.

For customers, the takeaway is simple: