Upcoming Android and Google Play Deadlines

Our platform and policies are constantly evolving to improve the user experience and create a safer ecosystem. Use this page to stay up to date on required changes and find additional information. Thanks for keeping your apps and games updated.

Google Play Developer Policy Center

Timeline

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Updated Google Play rating

We changed the way Google Play ratings are calculated. Instead of a lifetime cumulative value, your score now places more weight on your most-recent ratings, to better reflect the current state of your app. Users started seeing the updated value in the Google Play Store starting in August 2019.

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Update your Google Play Store Icon

The specifications for icons in the Google Play Store have been updated. All new icons uploaded in the Play Console must meet the new specifications and we now require you to update existing icons to the new specification. Any icons that have not yet adopted the new specification will be converted to “legacy mode”, and automatically modified to fit the new specs.

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Comply with recent Play policy update

We updated our policies on November 13, 2019 on several topics, including misleading claims, metadata, spam and ad network certification. Existing apps have until December 13, 2019 to comply, and new apps must be compliant upon publishing.

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Families policy reminder

We updated our Families policies and Designed for Families program requirements on May 29, 2019. Existing apps are required to fill in the new target audience and content section of the Google Play Console and comply with our new policies. New apps must be compliant upon publishing.

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64-bit Support Required

Starting August 1, 2019, apps published on Google Play will need to support 64-bit architectures. Adding a 64-bit version of your app provides performance improvements, makes way for future innovation, and sets you up for devices with 64-bit-only hardware. Unity developers should consult the information page for additional details.

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Apps must Target API level 28

When you upload an APK, it needs to meet Google Play’s target API level requirements. By August 1, new apps must target at least Android 9 (API level 28). By November 1, all apps that are being updated must target at least Android 9 (API level 28). Until these dates, new apps and app updates must target at least Android 8.0 (API level 26).

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Turn off monetization on store listing videos

We’re making some changes to the way videos appear in the Play Store starting November 1, 2019. As part of this update, any monetized YouTube videos in your listing may start to show ads, which could be confusing and distracting for users. If you do not disable ads by this date, your video will no longer show up on Google Play.

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Move to Google Play Developer API v3

Starting December 1, 2019, versions 1 and 2 of the Google Play Developer API, used for managing in-app purchases and publishing, will no longer be available. Please update to version 3 before December.

More info API Docs

Move to Google Play Billing Library 2.0

Starting May 1, 2021, Google Play Billing Library 2.0 will be required for all new apps and app updates that use Play Billing.

More info API Docs

Get your apps ready for Android Q

Prepare your apps for Android Q, with stronger protections for user privacy, new ways to engage users, extended support for foldables, Vulkan extensions, and more. Android Q is currently in beta and available to test on Pixel devices.

More info Migration guide