google play requires android 16 targeting from aug 31, 2026
New Android apps and updates on Google Play must now target Android 16 (API level 36), which changes how apps lay out on large screens and handle the back gesture.
- requirement
- targetSdk 36 for new apps and updates from 2026-08-31 (extension to 2026-11-01)
- platforms
- Android phones and tablets via Google Play (Wear OS/Automotive: API 35; TV/XR: API 34)
what happened
- Starting August 31, 2026, new apps and app updates must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher to be submitted to Google Play. Wear OS and Android Automotive apps need API 35+, and Android TV and Android XR apps need API 34+.[1]
- Existing apps must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher to stay available to new users on devices running a newer Android version than the app targets.[1]
- Developers who need more time can request an extension to November 1, 2026 in Play Console.[1]
- Apps targeting Android 16 can no longer opt out of edge-to-edge display on Android 16 devices.[2]
- On displays with a smallest width of 600dp or more, Android 16 ignores orientation, resizability and aspect-ratio restrictions for apps that target it (games are exempt). The temporary opt-out stops working once an app targets API level 37.[2]
- For apps targeting Android 16 and running on Android 16 or later devices, predictive back animations are on by default, onBackPressed is not called and KEYCODE_BACK is not dispatched.[2]
sources2
- 01Meet Google Play's target API level requirement ↗ primaryAndroid Developers (Google)accessed 2026-10-21
- 02Behavior changes: Apps targeting Android 16 or higher ↗ primaryAndroid Developers (Google)accessed 2026-10-21