First Direct app update - heads up!

liz_bartun

I have a little used account with another bank that I can switch to.  I am happy to use standard online banking - I don't need app based.  I'm aware my current phone will become too outdated and need replacing eventually.
But these are my personal choices and I've made my decision and I'm fine with that.

Thank you all.  I posted the OP to warn others who may be affected but would be unlikely to know the implications of the process of going back to standard online banking.  Thank you to those who have offered ideas such as open banking, as this will undoubtedly also help others.

6TD

Banks apps are going to update at a pretty fast pace now to catch up to where they should have been 5 years ago. Old O/S will be left behind.

Generally you shouldn't be using Android older than 3 years or ios older than 5 years if you're at all bothered about security. This applies not just to banking.

born_again

liz_bartun said:

Not moaning about the update, just reporting.  I was told it's Google and Apple that are the cause - perhaps they're trying to trigger new sales

But in your OP..

I received a letter from First Direct today to warn me of the change.  

So ALL users will be informed.

Like all o/s suppliers at some point they stop supporting them. Microsoft are the same. So you must update your computer or you could end up stuck on XP or Win 7 which are no longer supported.

gt94sss2

liz_bartun said:

I'm aware my current phone will become too outdated and need replacing eventually.
But these are my personal choices and I've made my decision and I'm fine with that.

First Direct don't take long to send out a physical SecureKey.
It's obviously your choice when to replace your phone but if it's still running Android 6 from 2014 it's already outdated and missing several important security/bug updates.
You will find other apps will stop being supported on your phone as well - not just banking apps.

D3xt3r5L4b

Using an old unsupported OS is the real issue here.
Update to newer hardware that can support a more current OS.

[Deleted User]

I have to diagree with you. 

It may have worked perfectly in 2014 but six years is a long time in digital /mobile phone development.

Upgrade to something more recent or be inconvenienced (for a few days) by switching to the dedicated FD device.

wiseonesomeofthetime

My phone is android and released in 2016. Quite comfortable with it, good camera, and works well.

I am aware that at some stage I shall need to upgrade, hence started saving 12 months ago so I can buy any new phone in 2021 or 2022 outright and with no contractual tie-in to a particular provider's tariffs.

Trouble is, the buggers are getting bigger 🤷‍♂️ Will need trousers with bigger pockets! 🤣

[Deleted User]

wiseonesomeofthetime said:

My phone is android and released in 2016. Quite comfortable with it, good camera, and works well.

I am aware that at some stage I shall need to upgrade, hence started saving 12 months ago so I can buy any new phone in 2021 or 2022 outright and with no contractual tie-in to a particular provider's tariffs.

Trouble is, the buggers are getting bigger 🤷‍♂️ Will need trousers with bigger pockets! 🤣

Smart phones have two key elements - hardware and software - if the latter is obsolete then it's not working well.
Xiaomi and Motorola offer some good prices which shouldn't take two years to save up for 

wiseonesomeofthetime

@dahj
The main purpose of my phone is a handy camera 📸

As long as it takes decent photos and videos, the rest just needs to work 😁