Upcoming Android and Google Play Updates

We regularly make changes to our platform and policies to improve the user experience and ensure a safe ecosystem. Use this page to stay up to date on required changes and find additional information. Thanks for keeping your apps and games updated.

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Updated Google Play rating

We're changing the way Google Play ratings are calculated. Instead of a lifetime cumulative value, your new score will place more weight on your most-recent ratings, to better reflect the current state of your app. Users won't see the updated value in the Google Play Store until August, but you can preview your new rating in the Google Play Console today.

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Update your Google Play Store Icon

The specifications for icons in the store have been updated. As of May 1, developers will no longer be able to upload icons in the Play Console which do not meet the new specifications, although existing icons will remain unchanged. By June 24, we require you to update to the new specification or we will automatically modify your icon to fit the new specs.

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Comply with new Families policies

We updated our Families policies and Designed for Families program requirements on May 29, 2019. Existing apps have until September 1, 2019 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, your 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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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

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