App Development is an Ongoing Process 

With the rapid advancement of technology, it is important to keep up with the latest privacy and security features to ensure that your app is secure and meets the standards set by industry leaders such as Google.

Last year, Google announced that they would be expanding their target API level requirements to protect users from installing apps that may not have the latest privacy and security features. 

You can think of target API levels as the minimum Android version you wish to support. As a part of this initiative, Google is unifying the deadline for the target API level requirements to August 31 every year, starting from August 31, 2023.

This means if your app is currently not targeting the new minimum standard set by Google, they may hide your app from Google Play. 

How to Stay Discoverable on Google Play

What does this mean for your app? Well, it depends on your current target API level. 

New apps and app updates must target API level 33 to be submitted to Google Play (Wear OS must target API 30). For existing apps, they must target API level 31 or above to remain discoverable by all users on Google Play. If your app targets API level 30 or below (target API level 29 or below for Wear OS), it will only be discoverable on devices running Android OS same or lower than your app's target API level.

We understand that updating your app to meet these requirements may take time. However, it is important to note that by updating your app to target the latest API level, you are not only meeting the latest privacy and security standards but also ensuring that your app is compatible with the latest devices.

Google is offering an extension to the deadline for those who need more time to update their app. You will be able to request an extension to November 1, 2023. Play Console will provide you access to your app's extension forms later this year.

At Xode, we recommend that you start updating your app to meet the target API level requirements as soon as possible. This will give you ample time to test and ensure that your app is fully compliant before the deadline.

App Maintenance is Non-negotiable 

Keeping up with the latest privacy and security standards is important for your app's success. By updating your app to target the latest API level, you are ensuring that your app is secure and compatible with the latest devices. With the unified deadline for target API level requirements, it is important to start updating your app as soon as possible to meet the deadline and avoid any interruptions in your app's discoverability on Google Play.

For exact timelines, read Target API level requirements for Google Play apps For technical guidance, refer to this migration guide To learn more, watch the April 2022 PolicyBytes