Google to set a minimum API level for new apps

Apple heavily regulated all the applications that may appear in its App Store. Google, on the other hand, is not that strict on these matters. The search giant has been lenient on the app developers on this issue. The apps need to pass through the malware scanning procedure conducted by Google, and the app is good to go. However, the Alphabet Inc-led company now seems to have made some changes to its guidelines. To restrict its operating system’s dominant accessibility, Google is considering setting a minimum API level for all the new and updated apps.

According to a report by Ars Technica, the search giant is considering bringing about this technical change by 2018. In other words, from 2018 the company will not accept older app codes from the developers. The developers will then be required to adjust and adapt to newer Android features.

The move does not hold any potential danger to smartphones running on older Android systems. However, the app developers will have to ensure that their products are enhanced as per the restrictions set out by Google. The report further went on to note how every version of Android usually comes with newer API levels. This would mean that the applications will have to get their framework functions changed every time a new Android system is introduced by Google, which is done annually.

It goes without saying that adding more unique features and constructing the product as per endless restrictions is not a piece of cake. It takes developers a lot of time and effort to do so, and since they will be expected to do it at a shorter frequency, it does come across as a painstaking job for them.

At the same time, Google will significantly benefit from this technical change. The search giant will end up accelerating Google’s Android changes throughout its app ecosystem. In other words, the search-giant won’t have to wait for years until the OS becomes useful on all smartphones. The process will speed up quite a bit.