Google Play increases its target API level requirement for Android apps annually since it was introduced last year, and 2024 is no exception. With their yearly push for higher quality apps on the Play Store, trusting an experienced app developer like Median.co is key to ensuring all the requirements are met.

Learn all about the latest Google Play target API level requirement increase that will come into effect this summer, the reasons behind the update, the strategies required to stay compliant, and how Median.co can help meet these requirements for Android apps.

What is Google Play's target API level requirement

Google’s annual update to its API level requirement is almost here — as of August 31, 2024, app developers will be required to comply with Google Play’s latest target API level requirement for apps.

For new apps and any app updates, app developers must target Android 14 (API level 34) or higher to be accepted by Google Play.  

Existing apps that are already live in the Google Play Store must target at least Android 13 (API level 33) to be downloaded on newer Android 14 devices. 

If an app targets an Android OS version lower than 13, it will be unavailable for download onto any Android versions higher than the target version. For example, an app that targets Android 11 (API level 30) will not be able to be downloaded onto Android 12, 13, or 14 and will only be downloaded on Android 11 and below

You will be able to request an extension from August 31 to November 1, 2024 if you need more time to update your app. 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.

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 13 (API level 33) or higher.

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.

How can you stay compliant with Google Play’s latest API level requirement

Staying compliant with Google Play’s latest API level requirement is key to guaranteeing your app will be approved for the Google Play Store and will be available for download by all users.

To maintain compliance with Google Play’s latest API level requirements, here are some steps to follow:

1. Ensure that any third-party SDK dependencies support API level 34. If you’re using an SDK that doesn't support API level 34, make sure that the SDK provider resolves the issue and supports API level 34
2. Be aware that your app’s targetSdkVersion may restrict access to private Android platform libraries
3. Verify these restrictions that may exist in the version of the Android Support Library you're using
4. Make sure that the major version of the Android Support Library you’re using and your app’s compileSdkVersion are compatible
5. If needed, choose a targetSdkVersion smaller than or equal to the Support Library's major version
6. Inorder to keep up with the latest compatibility features and bug fixes, Google recommends you to update to a recent compatible Support Library

If all this seems too complex, Median’s team of experts can help. 

How can Median help stay complaint with Google Play’s new API requirement

Median’s team of experts are dedicated to ensuring your app is always compatible with the latest devices and compliant with the latest Google Play Store requirements — Google Play’s target API requirement is no exception.

If you have an Android app built with Median’s App Studio, then rest assured that all the heavy lifting required to support the latest Android version and target API level is taken care of by Median’s engineering team.

Here are three easy steps you can follow to keep your Android app built with Median compliant with Google Play’s latest API requirement:

1. 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 January 2024; apps that were rebuilt since January 2024 already target Android 14 (API level 34).
2. Test your app on Android 14, 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 14 device can be used.
3. Finally, publish an update to Google Play before August 31, 2024
   • Median’s team of experts can take care of this on your behalf — making apps easy for you.

What should you do to comply with the target API level requirements without Median

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. 

With new apps, targeting Android 14 (API level 34) or higher is required for publishing to the Play Store. 

For existing apps, if the target is lower than Android 14 (API level 34), know that the app will not be available to new users whose devices are running an Android OS version higher than your apps’ target API levels — this is to make sure the app meets the safety and quality standards that come with newer Android OS versions.

Note: When an app is updated, the API level targeted should be API level 34 or higher.

You should also review the behavior changes for Apps targeting Android 14 or higher. Some of these include:

Core functionality:

• Your app should specify at least one foreground service type. 
• BLUETOOTH_CONNECT permission is strictly enforced but for specific BluetoothAdapter methods only. 

JobScheduler:

• Jobs are to be returned from onStartJob or onStopJob within a few seconds, or must trigger ANR errors. 
• ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE permission is now required for all network constraints.

Privacy:

• App users can now provide access to specific images and videos instead of their entire libraries.
• Full-screen intents by default are only available to apps using calls or alarm features.

Security:

• Implicit intents are now only delivered to exported components 
• Any dynamically-loaded files must now be marked as read-only

User experience and SDK restrictions:

• Full-screen intents can now only be used for high-priority notifications
• Non-SDK interfaces that come with update restrictions are encouraged to move to SDK alternatives.

These are just some of the behavior changes that are coming with Android 14, you can learn more here. 

Note: If you haven't updated your app since before Android 13, review the behavior changes for Android 13, or previous versions as required.

Finally, remember to implement all these required changes based on the functionality included in your app.

Summary

Google Play’s annual increase to its API level requirement is near — after August 31, 2024, Google Play’s target API level requirement will increase from API level 33 for Android 13 to API level 34 for Android 14. 

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, 2024. 

To stay compliant, app developers must verify compatibility with Android Support Library, update their third-party SDK dependencies, and adhere to specific behavior changes introduced in Android 14.

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 does all the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to — making apps easier!

To learn more about this, book a call with our team of experts today!

Frequently asked questions

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. 

I've uploaded an updated version of my Android app but the policy warning "App must target Android 14 (API level 34) or higher" is still displayed. How do I fix this?

If you upload a new Android app version targeting Android 14 (API level 34) 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:

1. Log in to Google Play Console and select your app.
2. Go to the Release Management section (Production, Beta, Alpha, or Internal testing).
3. Check for warning messages and click on them to view details.
4. Identify old APKs/AABs causing the issue by clicking on "View affecting bundle."
5. Remove or deactivate these old bundles in the relevant track.
6. Upload your new release targeting API level 34.
7. 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.

Is there an exception for existing apps that are targeting API 30 or below?

Absolutely. Google allows an exception for permanently private apps that are only available to users in a specific organization and are created for internal distribution only. Google also has an exception for apps that target Android Automatic OS form factor.

I do not plan to update my current app which is currently live and targets API 31 or lower. What are my options?

Technically, you don't need to do anything because your current live app will still be available to existing users. However, new users on devices running the newer Android OS versions will not be able to discover or download your app. Your app will only be available to users with devices running Android OS with API levels similar to your app or lower. 

If you do decide to update your app to a higher target API level and require an extension beyond the deadline (August 31, 2024), you can request an extension up until November 1, 2024. The extension forms will be available on Google Play Console later this year.

You also have the option to unpublish your app if you choose to stop serving your app to new users with older devices. 

Can I update my existing app to stay compliant with Google Play’s API requirements?

With existing apps, you must target Android 13 which is API level 33 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 14 (API level 34) 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.

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