{"id":832571,"date":"2025-08-30T15:49:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T15:49:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.knowband.com\/blog\/?p=832571\/"},"modified":"2025-09-01T10:00:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T10:00:45","slug":"google-play-policy-api-updates-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.knowband.com\/blog\/ecommerce-blog\/google-play-policy-api-updates-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Play Policy & API Updates Effective August 31, 2025: What Developers Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Google Play has announced a comprehensive set of policies and API updates that will come into effect on August 31, 2025. Importantly, these changes are part of Google’s continuous efforts to strengthen user security, improve app quality, and ensure consistency across its ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n

For developers and businesses with apps on the Play Store, these updates are not optional. Furthermore, failing to comply with the new requirements could result in apps being removed from the Play Store, preventing new users from discovering them and limiting access for existing users.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we are providing a comprehensive breakdown of the new policies, their technical implications, and how developers can prepare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Target API Level Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n

First and foremost, one of the most critical changes in this update revolves around target API levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

New Apps & Updates: <\/b>Starting August 31, 2025, all new apps and app updates submitted to the Play Store must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher. Additionally, this ensures that apps leverage the latest security features and performance optimizations provided by the Android operating system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Existing Apps: <\/b>Meanwhile, apps already published on the Play Store will need to target at least Android 14 (API level 34) to remain visible to users with newer devices. Consequently, apps that fail to meet this requirement may remain installed for existing users but will no longer be available for download by new users.<\/span><\/p>\n

Extension Option:<\/b> Fortunately, Google is offering a short grace period. Developers can request an extension until November 1, 2025, through the Play Console. However, this should be treated as a backup option rather than a primary strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why this policy matters to your mobile app<\/b><\/p>\n

Essentially, apps targeting outdated API levels miss out on the latest security patches, privacy controls, and performance improvements. Therefore, this requirement ensures that all active apps remain compatible with modern devices and meet user expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Play Billing Library<\/b><\/h2>\n

In addition to API requirements, another key change relates to in-app purchases and subscriptions.<\/span><\/p>\n

All new apps and app updates must now use Play Billing Library version 7 or newer. Notably, this is a significant update as it impacts how developers handle in-app purchases (IAPs), subscriptions, refunds, and payment flows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreover, Google emphasises this requirement to improve transaction security, provide a consistent purchase experience, and reduce fraudulent activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similar to the API level requirement, developers may request an extension until November 1, 2025, to migrate to the new library<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

SDK & Development Tools<\/b><\/h2>\n

To ensure a smooth transition, Google strongly recommends developers use the latest Android SDK and associated development tools.<\/span><\/p>\n

Specifically, the SDK Upgrade Assistant in Android Studio helps developers identify outdated dependencies, upgrade API levels, and resolve compatibility issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, this reduces manual effort, minimises migration errors, and ensures that apps take advantage of new frameworks, improved APIs, and enhanced security controls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, staying updated with the Android SDK isn’t just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing your app. Apps built on outdated SDKs may struggle with compatibility on new devices, leading to crashes and poor reviews.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scoped Storage & File Access<\/b><\/h2>\n

Meanwhile, Google introduced Scoped Storage in Android 11, and by 2025, it will become an enforced standard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving forward, apps will no longer have broad access to external storage. Instead, they must:<\/span><\/p>\n