As everyone is aware of the recent Google IO 2018 event held in may 2018, Google has recommended developers to update to latest Android APIs after August 1, 2018.
All the new Android apps that are going to develop should target to API level 26 (Android Oreo) in order to get published.
But, Why should we update apps to level 26 version?
Well, the quick answer for this is boss’s order. As Google is our boss, the reason behind this is that Google focuses on security updates. Also, technology and people are willing to seek for the updated versions, even mobile phone manufacturers releasing Android OS updates to the devices. And if every aspect of the basic things getting updated to the latest versions, then Why not the Apps?
Even though Google is working hard on backward compatibility and APIs support, it’s very important to target the new version APIs to fully utilize the latest features and backward compatibility support. This doesn’t mean for app support on all devices but to make sure the app is under more secure and safe.
What do we Update?
In simple words, all your new and existing Android apps instantly. Now let’s know what apps to get updated and when?
Till August 2018
All the Android app owners who have the apps in live at play store are notified to update the existing apps to target API level 26 (Android Oreo). New apps that are in the development process and even the alpha and beta version apps are required to target API level 26.
From November
From November the developers need to develop the apps to target android Oreo and above. Also, the apps that are not updated will be removed from the play store.
2019 Onwards
Every year the TargetSDKversions will get its requirements advanced to the next level and all the existing apps, new apps need to get targeted to that corresponding API level or higher within the year. One important thing to remember is that the developers remain free to use the MinSDKversion of their choice. And there is no chance to the developers to develop the apps using the older API versions.
How to Update an App in the Google Play Developer Console?
The procedure involved is very easy. There are some APIs which have been updated or even removed from the API level, so if your apps are using those, then you need to get updated the code as accordingly. Here are some changes that take place in recent platform versions:
- Android 5.0 no longer supports Implicit intents for bindServices()
- Android 6.0 doesn’t support runtime Permissions
- Android 7.0 – User-added CAs not trusted by default for secure connections.
- Android 8.0 – Apps can’t access user account without explicit user approval.
Apart from the popular Android Nougat, Marshmallow, and Oreo versions, the Android distribution chart shows Android Lollipop at 18.3%, KitKat at 7.8%, and Jelly Bean at 3.2%. Dated versions, including Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread, are also a part of the distribution chart with 0.3% share each.
So, from the above-detailed discussion, you can now get an idea about App updations to API level 26. So now you go ahead and update our awesome apps to provide Android phone users more fresh and amazing user experience. You can also watch this at youtube here that was conducted by Google I/O 2018.
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