Google has unveiled new policies for the Play Store that may successfully bar any current Android Apps which might be considerably outdated. All apps within the Store should goal an API degree inside two years of the most recent main Android launch, or they will not be accessible for discovery or set up, it introduced on its Android Developer blog. The goal is to “protect users from installing older apps that may not have these protections in place,” the corporate mentioned. The adjustments will go into impact on November 1st, 2022.

Currently, Google requires new apps and app updates to focus on an Android API degree inside only one 12 months of the most recent Android OS model launch. The new adjustments, against this, goal current apps that will not have been up to date shortly. Google notes that in the event you’re working an older machine, you may “continue to be able to discover, re-install, and use the app on any device running any Android OS version that the app supports.”

Google mentioned the “vast majority” of apps already observe the incoming customary. While which may be true, the Play Store has round 2.87 million apps in whole, so there are a little question an enormous quantity that want consideration. For those who do not conform, it is notifying builders and giving them any sources wanted to replace.

Play has seen quite a lot of new safety measures over the previous couple of years. The most vital got here in 2017 when Google launched Play Protect designed to scan for rogue apps with assist from machine studying. However, some nonetheless get by that pose safety dangers and violate person privateness. The new coverage might assist cease an excellent chunk of these, however as everyone knows by now, it’ll by no means catch all of them.