Every app store must have strict rules in order to protect users against malicious applications. The Google Play Store had some issues in the past, and many fake or harmful apps were discovered on the official Android app store. It appears that Google is willing to enforce stricter API level rules.
The 2019 API level requirements were revealed recently, and they mention the changes that will become available this year, like other future plans. Starting with August this year, the new regulations must be respected.
The apps published on the Google Play Console will need to target API level 28 or higher. The updates for existing apps must focus the same API starting with November. There were other different requirements unveiled as well. That includes apps that are distributed to different app stores. If there are existing apps that did not receive updates won’t be unaffected by these rules and users can continue to download them from the Google Play Store.
Android apps from other app stores besides Play Store must obey to the new API level rules, too
The apps distributed via other stores have also received new standards when it comes to the API level. For example, in China, there are many big apps stores such as the ones from Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi, Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent. For them, the apps will be required to target API level 26 (Android 8.0) or higher.
There is also a program for these apps. In August 2019 the new apps will get warnings during the installation process if they do not target API level 26 or higher. Then, starting with November 2019 new versions of the existing apps will get installation warnings as long as they do not target API level 26 or higher. From 2020 onwards, the API requirement will advance each year.
Sonia Theo has a long experience in writing, and now she is our associate journalist covering tech, gaming and mobile news. She has a BA in English and German and a BA in Arts and Design. Sonia likes writing about the latest updates in current and future games, guides and reviews. Her favorite past times is gaming, crafting and cooking. Sonia is always ready to help players with tips when they’re in a tough boss fight.