Starting August 31, 2026, all existing apps must target Android 15 (API level 35) to remain accessible on devices running Android 16 or 17. whereas new apps and any new app updates must target API level 36 to be published to Google Play Store. Developers can request an extension until November 1, 2026, to comply with these requirements.
Google Play regularly increases their Target API level requirement to ensure apps meet the highest security, performance, and compatibility standards.
Google Play has a Target API level policy that requires apps to target recent Android versions to remain discoverable and installable, especially on newer devices.
Existing app compatibility: Starting August 31, 2026, existing apps — apps already published on Google Play — must target at least Android 15 (API level 35) to remain available to users on devices running Android 16 or 17.
Note: If your app targets a version lower than API level 35, it may not be visible or downloadable on devices running Android 16 or 17 via the Play Store.
Extension available: If you need more time to update your app, you can request an extension from August 31 to November 1, 2026. Also, note that you'll be able to access a form to apply for an extension for your app later this year in the Google Play Console.
Google Play Target API Requirements: August 31, 2026 ExplainedGoogle’s API level: Exceptions
There are, however, exceptions to the Target API level requirements, including:
Permanently private apps that are restricted to users in a specific organization and intended for internal distribution only
Apps that target Android Automotive OS, or are packaged with APKs targeting Android Automotive OS
Updates to Wear OS and Android TV apps, which can target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher
Tip: Choosing to develop your app using a leading platform like Median.co makes meeting ongoing app store requirements a breeze
How Median.co can help your apps stay complaint with Google Play’s Target API requirement
Your app stays up to date and fully compatible with the latest devices, without you lifting a finger.
Here are three easy steps you can follow to keep your Android app built with Median compliant with Google Play’s latest API requirement:
Rebuild your app using Median’s App Studio and get the latest Android updates. The rebuild is only necessary if you have created an app before February 2025; apps that were rebuilt since February 2025 already target Android 16 (API level 36).
Test your app on Android 16. This ensures that all functionality, particularly permissions management, is working properly. You can beta test your Android app through Google’s very own Android Beta program as well.
Note that for most apps, Median’s browser-based simulators are sufficient; depending on the functionality of your app, a physical Android 15 device can be used.
Finally, publish an update to Google Play before August 31, 2026.
Median’s team of experts can take care of this on your behalf.
How to comply with Google Play’s Target API level requirement without Median.co
If you decide to venture into this complex journey on your own, as an app developer, there are certain strategies you should follow to stay compliant with Google Play’s Target API level requirement.
You should review the behavior changes for apps targeting Android 16 or higher. Some of these include:
Core functionality
Android 16 enables predictive back by default for apps targeting API 36. Apps that intercept back navigation should migrate to the supported back APIs to ensure a smooth user experience.
Apps can no longer opt out of edge-to-edge display. User interfaces should be updated to handle system bars and display cutouts correctly.
Adaptive orientation and aspect ratio restrictions are ignored on many large-screen devices. Apps should be tested to ensure layouts scale properly across tablets and foldables.
Privacy
Android 16 introduces App-owned Photos, giving users more control over the photos and videos your app creates while improving integration with the system Photo Picker.
Apps that access devices on the local network may need to request the new Local Network permission where applicable.
Health and fitness apps should review the latest Health Connect permission changes and migrate to the new granular permission model where required.
Security
Implicit intents are now resolved more securely, reducing the risk of unintended inter-app communication.
Dynamically loaded code, including DEX files and native libraries, must be marked as read-only before execution.
User Experience and SDK Restrictions
Android 16 introduces additional large-screen compatibility improvements. Test your app across different screen sizes and form factors to ensure a consistent experience.
Several legacy APIs and behaviors have been deprecated or updated. Review the Android 16 behavior changes to identify any compatibility issues before submitting your app update to Google Play.
These are just some of the behavior changes introduced in Android 16. Review the complete Android 16 behavior changes documentation to ensure your app is ready before targeting API level 36. Learn more here.
Google Play’s annual increase to its API level requirement is here — after August 31, 2026, Google Play’s Target API level requirement has increased from API level 35 for Android 15 to API level 36 for Android 16 and above.
Google increases its Target API level to ensure apps are compliant with the latest security, privacy, performance and compatibility requirements that come with new device and Android OS updates.
Extensions can be requested to extend to November 1, 2026.
To stay compliant, app developers must verify compatibility with AndroidX Library, update their third-party SDK dependencies, and adhere to specific behavior changes introduced in Android 15 and higher.
Median’s team of experts ensure your app built using our App Studio platform is compliant with Google Play’s latest API level requirement. Median.co does all the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to — making apps easier!
How do I check the Target API level of my current app?
You can check the Target API level of your app directly from the Google Play Console — it will be listed in your app’s details in the “App integrity” or “Advanced settings” sections.
You can also open the AndroidManifest.xml file in your app's source code. Within the file look for the targetSdkVersion attribute.
Why does Google Play increase their Target API level requirements?
Google Play increases their Target API level requirements to ensure a safe, secure, and smooth experience for users. Each new Android OS release brings security enhancements and functionality improvements.
By mandating app developers to update their apps and incorporate these changes, users can be assured that any app downloaded from Google Play is taking full advantage of the latest features offered by the Android platform and supported by their device.
Here’s a breakdown to why Google Play increases its Target API level requirements for Android apps annually:
Security improvements: New Android versions often include important security updates. By requiring developers to target a more recent API level, Google confirms that apps integrate these enhanced security updates.
Privacy enhancements: New Android releases come with new privacy controls and permissions management features that provide users more control over their data. With a higher Target API level, Google ensures that apps are compliant with the latest privacy standards.
Better user experience: New APIs give developers the opportunity to evolve their apps to add new features and offer an improved UX across various Android devices
Performance enhancements: Newer APIs offer improved resource management and higher performance across devices, making apps more user-friendly and responsive.
Device compatibility: Android releases newer devices every year, with updated hardware and software, targeting the latest API level allows apps to maintain compatibility with the most recently released devices.
To prepare your app for Android API level 36, follow these best practices:
Check third-party SDK compatibility: Make sure all third-party SDKs used in your app fully support API level 36. If an SDK does not yet support this version, contact the SDK provider to address the issue and provide a compatible update.
Target SDK version limitations: Be aware that setting a higher targetSdkVersion may restrict access to private Android platform APIs. Review and test your app for any potential issues caused by these restrictions.
Verify AndroidX compatibility: Ensure that the version of AndroidX libraries you're using is compatible with both your app’s compileSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion. Incompatibility can lead to build errors or unexpected runtime behavior.
Align versioning: The major version of the AndroidX libraries should match or be compatible with your app’s compileSdkVersion. If necessary, choose a targetSdkVersion that aligns with the supported version of AndroidX to avoid conflicts.
Stay up to date: To take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and compatibility improvements, Google strongly recommends updating to the most recent stable release of AndroidX libraries.
I've uploaded an updated version of my Android app but the policy warning "App must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher" is still displayed. How do I fix this?
If you upload a new Android app version targeting Android 16 (API level 36) to Google Play and still see a warning about an incorrect Target API level, it is often due to old APKs/AABs in testing tracks causing the issue. To fix this:
Log in to Google Play Console and select your app.
Go to the Release Management section (Production, Beta, Alpha, or Internal testing).
Check for warning messages and click on them to view details.
Identify old APKs/AABs causing the issue by clicking on "View affecting bundle."
Remove or deactivate these old bundles in the relevant track.
Upload your new release targeting API level 36.
Submit the new release for review.
This process ensures that there are no outdated bundles are causing the API level warning and you can then successfully release your updated app.
Why does Google update its Target API level requirements every year?
With new Android versions being released every year, security, privacy and performance features are constantly improving. By increasing their Target API level requirements for Android apps every year, Google ensures that apps downloaded by the end-users are safe, secure and are updated with the latest UX features.
How will existing users be impacted?
Existing users who have already downloaded your app from Google Play will not be impacted. They will still be able to discover, reinstall, and use the app on their Android devices (any Android OS version that their current app supports).
Will the latest API update impact app downloads?
New users on devices with newer Android OS versions may not be able to discover or even download your app from the Google Play Store, which will definitely impact your app download levels over time.
Can I update my existing app to stay compliant with Google Play’s API requirements?
With existing apps, you must target Android 15 which is API level 35 to ensure availability to new users on devices that run on Android OS higher than the app’s Target API level.
How can I make sure my new app is compliant with Google Play’s API update?
With new apps and any app updates, you must Target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher to be submitted and accepted by Google Play.
Are there any benefits to updating my app to target the latest API levels annually?
The main benefit of doing this annually is to ensure your apps benefit from the latest security enhancements, privacy controls, and performance improvements. All in all, staying compliant to the latest API level requirements ensures a better user experience, ensures compatibility with newer devices, and helps increase app visibility and downloads on Google Play, attributing to your overall app store optimization strategies for a Google Play listing.
*DISCLAIMER: This content is provided solely for informational purposes. It is not exhaustive and may not be relevant for your requirements. While we have obtained and compiled this information from sources we believe to be reliable, we cannot and do not guarantee its accuracy. This content is not to be considered professional advice and does not form a professional relationship of any kind between you and GoNative.io LLC or its affiliates. Median.co is the industry-leading end-to-end solution for developing, publishing, and maintaining native mobile apps for iOS and Android powered by web content. When considering any technology vendor we recommend that you conduct detailed research and "read the fine print" before using their services.*
