Google's Message on Android App Requirements

Received a Google email about your Android app? If it mentions some of your apps are targeting an old Android version or Billing library version and talks about a deadline of Aug 31, 2025, here's the breakdown.

Breaking it Down

Every year, Google refines the standards for Android apps using 'API levels'. These are crucial indicators of how your app interacts with different Android versions. They're split into:

• Minimum API Level: The oldest Android version your app can run on.
• Target API Level: The Android version your app is best suited for.

The email you've received is focusing on the Target API Level. From August 31, 2025, any new app or update submitted to Google must target at least API Level 35 and billing library 7.0.0 or later. However, existing apps on the Play Store before this date aren't affected.

Implications for Your Existing App

This deprecation prevents only new apps and app updates (i.e. rebuilds) from using older versions of the Play Billing Library. The updated policy change from google also doesn't impact the standing of your google play account. Your existing google play app remains discoverable and is not removed from the play store after August 31, 2025 as long as it targets an API Level 34 and billing library 6.0.0 or higher.

As per google, if your existing app targets an API Level on or above 34, you're in the clear. Lucky for you, builds crafted by bdk within the last 14-18 months are set at API Level 34 and billing library version 6.0.0. But if it's been over 1 years since your last build, consider ordering an rebuild. To kickstart this, simply head to your bdk project page.

BDK's Revised API & Billing Library Standards

New apps and future rebuilds are required to target atleast API level 35 and billing library 7.0.0 starting August 31, 2025.

Starting July 9, 2025, we're elevating our game. All new bdk Android builds & rebuilds now have:

• Target API Level 36 ( a step up from current 34 )
• Require a Minimum API Level of 28 ( a step up from current 26 )
• Billing library version 8.0.0 ( a step up from current 6.0.1 )

Every year, prior to Google's update deadlines, we tweak these levels to make sure your app stays fresh, shedding support for outdated Android versions and embracing the latest.

Ready for an Immediate Upgrade?

Eager to align with Google's fresh standards right away? We have updated our codebase to meet these requirements as of July 8, 2025.

You can request a rebuild via the next steps tab of your bdk native project page.

Crave More Insights?

For a deeper dive, check out Google's official post on API levels and Billing library.

Feeling Pressured? Need More Time?

Don't sweat it. Google understands. You can request an extension, stretching your deadline to November 1, 2025. Eligible parties will find extension forms in the Play Console by clicking the notification message from Google play. Just navigate to the Policy status page.

Updated on: 07/09/2025