Google has announced plans to restrict the availability of out-of-date apps on the Play Store. From November 1, 2022, all existing apps in the store must target an API level within two years of the most recent major release of the Android operating system. Failure to do so, Google says it will set restrictions on which users can discover or install them.
The restrictions will apply only if the device is running a version of Android that is newer than the API level of the app. As a result, anyone still using an older version of Android OS will be able to download apps designed specifically for their old version of Android.
Moreover, Google says users will be able to re-download and install previously downloaded apps from the Play Store.
The changes are intended to ensure that software available through the Play Store takes advantage of the most recent privacy and security features available on Android.
Meanwhile, this change would affect apps that have been completely abandoned or those where the developer is still serving their users but has fallen behind on Android API updates.
Developers can request a six-month extension if their software is not ready by November 1. This is the deadline set by Google Play Store, where it will start to hide outdated apps that haven't kept up with the latest Android OS releases.
This move is likely to improve privacy and security, as applications will be required to comply with Android's evolving permissions and security requirements in order to remain accessible through the Play Store.
You might also like:
However, it will make accessing many older apps more difficult, particularly following the first wipe on November 1.
