Google plans to hide older apps that don't meet the requirements on Google Play


by

nekoroid

The Android API level is a number that identifies the framework API provided by the Android platform for each revision, and the app can improve the security and performance on the user side by specifying the latest API level. However, some apps published on Google Play have not been updated for many years, and some API levels remain old, and Google says, 'Old apps that do not meet the API level requirements are Google Play. Hide it with. '

Android Developers Blog: Expanding Play's Target Level API Requirements to Strengthen User Security
https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2022/04/expanding-plays-target-level-api-requirements-to-strengthen-user-security.html



Outdated apps to be hidden on Play Store this year --Android Authority
https://www.androidauthority.com/outdated-apps-play-store-3149943/

The Play Store will soon hide old apps in the name of security
https://www.androidpolice.com/play-store-hide-old-apps-api-security/?scrolla=5eb6d68b7fedc32c19ef33b4

API level requirements for apps delivered on Google Play have already been set, and newly published apps and app updates are required to include the API level one before the latest version. However, according to market research company Statista, there are about 3.5 million apps on Google Play, including apps that have not been updated for more than a few years and have old API levels. It is said that it is.

Android improves privacy and security protection with each version upgrade, but these protections do not apply to apps that do not support the latest API level. This means that installing older API-level apps poses a security risk, even if your device has the latest version of Android. So Google has decided to tighten the API level requirements for Android apps to protect users of the latest Android.

The new Android app API level requirements are newer than the supported API level for apps that do not support the API level within 2 years from the time of the latest major release of Android after November 1, 2022. It will no longer be visible on Google Play for devices running versions of Android and will not be able to be installed. This requirement will be adjusted each time a new Android version is released.



In addition, only 'apps that have never been installed or purchased' are hidden on Google Play, and for apps that have been installed or purchased in the past, even if the API level does not meet the requirements, Google Play You can find it at. Also, if the Android version is an older device, API level apps according to the installed Android version will also be displayed.

Google said, 'The good news is that most of the apps on Google Play already comply with these standards,' and notify developers of apps that don't comply with the specified standards. It explains that it will provide various resources. For developers who find it taking a long time to change the API level of their app, Google said a feature that allows them to request a 'six-month extension' through the developer console will be available from late 2022. ..



in Mobile,   Software, Posted by log1h_ik