Heads Up - new target API level 33 requirements
Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:11 am
Received from Google, Dev Update this morning.
DEVELOPER UPDATE
Hello Google Play Developer,
Last year, we announced that we’re expanding our target API level requirements to protect users from installing apps that may not have the latest privacy and security features.
To help make Target API level deadlines clearer, we are unifying the dates to August 31 every year.
Starting August 31, 2023:
New apps and app updates must target API level 33 to be submitted to Google Play (Wear OS must target API 30).
Existing apps must target API level 31 or above to remain discoverable by all users on Google Play. Apps that target API level 30 or below (target API level 29 or below for Wear OS), will only be discoverable on devices running Android OS same or lower than your apps’ target API level.
You will be able to request an extension to November 1, 2023 if you need more time to update your app. You'll be able to access your app's extension forms in Play Console later this year.