Google outlines Android app development and policy changes for 2021

Google has just disclosed its development plan for 2021 in the Android Developer Blog. For example, from August to November, all new apps must support API Level 30 of Android 11. In addition, Google Play will require newly submitted apps to use the Android App Bundle release format to reduce size and simplify the release process.

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(Source: Android Developers Blog)

Google revealed that 750,000 apps and games already support Android App Bundle and benefit from advanced distribution features such as Play Asset Delivery and Play Feature Delivery.

Compared with the typical APK installation package, the new format has a 15% size advantage. For developers, even if the download rate is slower in some areas, there is still room for improvement in the success rate of their app installation.

As planned, starting in August 2021, the Google Play Console will require all newly submitted apps to use the Android App Bundle format.

Apps larger than 150MB must also support Play Asset Delivery or Play Feature Delivery, as well as Android 11 API Level 30.

Apps targeting Android 11 will need to make some behavioral adjustments before November 2021. Also note that OBB extended support files will no longer be supported.

Apps that have not yet been updated will not be affected by the new policy, and users can still download them through the Play Store. However, starting from August, developers of Instant Apps that do not require installation need to pay attention to this policy change.

In addition, Wear OS apps will not be constrained by API Level requirements, and developers can continue to use minSdkVersion (older versions of Android will not be affected).

Interested developers can watch the official "Modern Android Development (MAD) Skills" video series to learn more details about the transition to App Bundles.