Target API level (Google Play)

The Android version an app declares it was built for; Google Play raises the minimum every year and hides apps that fall behind.

The targetSdkVersion tells Android which behavior changes the app has adopted. Google Play’s rules move each year around August 31: since August 31, 2026 new apps and updates must target Android 16 (API level 36), and existing apps below Android 15 stop being offered to new users on newer devices. Raising the target can change permissions, background work and edge-to-edge layout, so it needs testing on devices.

Share: LinkedIn · X ·

Related terms

16 KB page size (Android): Newer Android devices use 16 KB memory pages; apps with native libraries built for 4 KB pages must be rebuilt or they will not run there.
LTS and EOL (long-term support, end of life): LTS is a release supported with fixes for years; EOL is the date after which a version gets no more security fixes at all.
Dependency updates (Dependabot, Renovate): Keeping libraries and frameworks current, usually with bots that open pull requests for new versions.

← All terms

Need this built, fixed or reviewed?

I build and rescue products with AI coding agents under rules: AI features in production, honest estimates, email that gets delivered.

Book a free 30-min call See price and start date

How I work

Przemysław Zalewski · 15+ years shipping software

“a true bias for action” client CTO, public LinkedIn recommendation

Confidential by default. NDA is standard. I never show your project, name or screenshots without written consent, which is why this site names no clients without permission.
Your code, your accounts. Code and data stay in your repository and accounts. AI tools run with training on your data turned off, and secrets never reach a model.
A handover you can use. Every project ends with the same checklist: a README that gets it running, one architecture diagram, written decisions, CI, a runbook and a recorded walkthrough. It is done when someone outside the project can run it from the docs.
Boring technology where it counts. I pick a stack you can hire for. Anything experimental needs your yes and an exit plan.
Approach matched to your risk appetite. Prototype, product or regulated: the level decides how much autonomy the agents get and how much review and validation each change needs.
Everything checkable. Every number on my pages links to its source. My tools are free, and the idea validator skill is open source (MIT).

My pledge

Reply within 24 hours. I reply within 24 hours on working days, personally, not a bot. Weekend messages: by Monday noon.
Late means free. If I am late, the first hour of work is free. You do not have to ask.
Scope in writing within 24 hours. A free 30-minute call with no company deck, then the scope and the price in writing within 24 hours. You decide.
The person who does the work. You talk to the person who does the work. No sales layer, no handoff.
Follow-up only with news. I follow up only when I have something new for you. Never a "did you see my offer".
Honest "not a fit". If I am not the right person, I say so on the call and point you to someone who is.

All principles, the AI policy and working hours →

Pricing · Security · Privacy and analytics opt-out · Trust center