Google has announced that apps that have not been updated for a long time will be limited in the Android digital download store.
From November 1, 2022, existing apps in Google Play must support at least Android versions released no more than two years ago. In particular, it is about the api level that such an Android version entails (apis are tools for developers).
If not, then limited Google those apps within the Play Store. For example, those apps may be found and installed to a limited extent.
Google wants to keep users safe
With this move, Google wants to ensure that available apps all come with relatively recently released security options so that users can use them safely. They should be able to assume that apps on Android are all safe.
There are some snags here. For example, this only works on Android devices running recently released versions. For example, if you have Android 11 on your smartphone and an app has an API level that is equal to Android 10, you can still download that app.
But if you have Android 13 on your device, you can find and download the app to a limited extent. Furthermore, apps that are in your personal download list, your app library in Google Play, can still be downloaded. Even when the api level is dated.
For new apps that want to enter Google Play, they must support the api level of a maximum of one year ago.
