1. From August 31, 2026, new apps and app updates must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher to be submitted to Google Play - this is the annual target API level refresh announced on July 15, 2026.
2. Form-factor exceptions: Wear OS and Android Automotive OS apps must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher, while Android TV and Android XR apps must target Android 14 (API level 34) or higher.
3. Existing apps must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher by August 31, 2026 to remain available to new users on devices running a newer Android version; apps below the floor stop appearing in discovery/installation for new users on newer devices, while existing installers keep the app.
4. The submission rule and the availability rule are separate: submission governs what you can upload (API 36 for new apps and updates), availability governs whether an existing app stays discoverable (API 35 floor) - do not confuse the two.
5. Developers who need more time can request an app-specific extension through Play Console that runs to November 1, 2026.
6. Anything targeting API level 35 or higher must support 16 KB memory page sizes - test native code and third-party native libraries explicitly, since it is a runtime failure rather than a build warning.
7. Plan the migration now: check your targetSdkVersion, audit third-party SDKs for API 36 readiness, and review Android 16 behavior changes so your August 31 submissions are not rejected by the Play Console.