The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Google will stop users downloading hundreds of apps unless developers update them
Apps will have to be kept in line with the most recent operating system, but Google has carved out some caveats for those using older devices
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Google has announced that it will be limiting outdated apps in its Play Store.
From the start of November, all apps on the platform will have to maintain a modern API level within two years of the latest major Android release.
“Every new Android version introduces changes that bring security and performance improvements as well as enhance the user experience of Android overall”, Google explains.
“Each app has a targetSdkVersion in the manifest file (also known as the target API level) which informs how your app is run on different Android versions.”
If apps do not meet this level, Google will start placing restrictions on how users are able to search for them or install them on their phones and tablets.
Many of these apps already meet these standards, and Google says it is informing the others so they can maintain them. Users “expect to realize the full potential of all the privacy and security protections Android has to offer” Google product management director Krish Vitaldevara said in a blog post about the update.
As new Android OS versions launch in the future, the requirement window will adjust accordingly.
Users of older apps who have already installed them from Google Play will still be able to download them, and users with an older phone will still be able to run older apps – meaning they will not be locked out of their phones when new versions of Android come out.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments