With the introduction of Android 15, Google is set to implement stricter controls on app compatibility. This move aims to address the persistent issue of fragmentation within the Android ecosystem, exacerbated by applications that remain outdated.
A significant number of apps in circulation still target obsolete Android versions, which not only hinders performance but also poses security risks. Google’s previous leniency in this matter is changing with the upcoming Android 15, which will enforce a new policy requiring apps to target at least SDK 24, equivalent to Android 7.0 Nougat. Consequently, applications designed for Android 6.0 Marshmallow or earlier will no longer be installable on devices running Android 15.
This policy is an extension of the precedent set by Android 14, which already prohibits the installation of apps targeting SDK 22 (Android 5.1 Lollipop) or lower. Projecting forward, it is anticipated that Android 16 and Android 17 will continue this trend, progressively phasing out support for apps targeting progressively newer Android versions.
It is crucial to distinguish between the target SDK and the minimum SDK. While the target SDK specifies the version of Android for which the app is optimized, the minimum SDK indicates the oldest version of Android the app can run on. Google’s focus is on encouraging developers to optimize their apps for the latest Android versions, rather than merely maintaining compatibility with older ones.
Developers are urged to prioritize updating their applications to conform to the latest Android standards, ensuring a secure and efficient user experience. The impending update to Android 15 is poised to make a significant impact, potentially rendering a vast array of legacy apps obsolete.