Android Question targetSdkVersion to 26+"

[Beja]

"Starting from August 2018 for new apps and November 2018 for existing apps, Google will force developers to set the targetSdkVersion to 26+"

Hi Erel
How about Apps already installed on devices? Does this mean all Apps in the world will stop in November until recompiled?

Best. B

 

[KMatle]

No. It only means that Google forces App developers to set it to 26+ if they want to upload it to the store.

Setting it to 23+ causes Android to use new logic on newer devices (older use the old level) like "no app is allowed to store anything unless you ask the user via runtime permissions".

 

[Erel]

If it is not clear the restriction is only applied when you try to upload a new update to Google Play.

 

[peggjones]

That is interesting. I only ever write apps for my "personal consumption" so if the restriction is only enforced on a upload to Google Play I will have nothing to change. Fingers crossed!

 

[Erel]

That's true.

 

[Beja]

If it is not clear the restriction is only applied when you try to upload a new update to Google Play.

Thanks Erel abd Klaus. Very important clarification.

 

[peggjones]

When you think about it seems likely that the SDK level will be checked for on upload to Google play. Where else could they do it? It makes a lot of difference to me. I wonder how many other people are like me and only ever develop for themselves. Because of the uncertainty I don't whether to start work on apps or wait and hope that it won't be necessary!

 

[Erel]

There is no doubt that it is only for store apps.

Note that the changes required are not so big. Once you understand the main new concepts you can very quickly update all your apps.