Preparing Your Android App for Android 15 (API 35) ✅ Play Store Requirements

Why This Upgrade Matters

Google Play enforces target API level requirements to ensure that apps take advantage of the latest Android platform improvements and privacy/security features. Starting with Android 15, there are several platform behavior changes and new features that apps must be compatible with.

Timeline Example (based on previous rollouts):

Step 1: Update Your Target SDK

Open your build.gradle (or build.gradle.kts) file and set the following values:

android {
    compileSdk = 35
    targetSdk = 35

    defaultConfig {
        minSdk = XX  // your existing minimum supported version
        ...
    }
}

If you're using Kotlin DSL:

android {
    compileSdk = 35
    defaultConfig {
        targetSdk = 35
    }
}

Make sure to sync the Gradle project after the change.

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Step 2: Update Dependencies

Update all your dependencies to the latest stable versions that support Android 15. Key libraries include:

• Jetpack libraries (Activity, Fragment, Lifecycle, etc.)

• Material Components

• Navigation, Paging, WorkManager, etc.

Use Google's Maven repository to find the latest versions.

Tip: Run ./gradlew dependencies or use Android Studio’s Project Structure dialog to check outdated versions.

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Step 3: Review Behavior Changes in Android 15

Android 15 introduces several behavior changes that may affect your app. Review and test these areas carefully:

Background Start Restrictions

• Apps can no longer start activities from the background freely.

• Use foreground services or notification triggers instead.

Improved Doze and App Standby

• Power optimizations may delay background tasks.

• Make sure your app handles JobScheduler, WorkManager, and alarms correctly.

Scoped Media Access Enhancements

• More granular control over image/video/audio access.

• Review how your app accesses external storage using MediaStore or Storage Access Framework.

Notification Permission Changes

• If not done already for Android 13+, make sure you request notification permissions explicitly.

if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.TIRAMISU) {
    requestPermissions(arrayOf(Manifest.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS), NOTIFICATION_PERMISSION_CODE)
}

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Step 4: Test Your App Thoroughly

Use an Android 15 emulator or a physical device with Developer Preview or Beta installed.

Key Areas to Test:

• Background activity launching

• Notifications and permissions

• Media access

• Foreground service usage

• Any crash or deprecated API warnings

Use adb logcat, Android Studio Profiler, and Firebase Crashlytics to debug.

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Step 5: Use Compatibility Framework Tools

Google offers a Compatibility Framework in developer options on Android 15 that allows toggling platform behavior changes on and off for testing.

How to enable:

• Go to Developer Options → App Compatibility Changes → Select your app → Toggle individual behavior changes.

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Step 6: Update Play Store Metadata (Optional)

You might want to mention in your Play Store "What's New" or release notes:

This version targets Android 15 for improved security, performance, and compatibility with the latest platform standards.

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Best Practices

• Use Permission APIs responsibly and follow Android’s privacy-first model.

• Stay updated with AndroidX libraries to avoid platform-level issues.

• Automate compatibility testing with CI/CD pipelines.

• Read the official Android 15 Behavior Changes page regularly.

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Conclusion

Migrating to Android 15 isn't just a requirement—it's an opportunity to modernize your app, improve stability, and give your users the best experience possible on the latest Android devices.

Don’t wait until the deadline. Start testing and upgrading today to stay ahead of the curve. 🚀