Version reference

Android Version Compatibility

Android API levels, minimum SDK, target SDK and package compatibility reference.

Version reference

Android version compatibility

Android compatibility is controlled by the app's minimum SDK, target SDK and runtime requirements. A package can fail to install when the device runs an Android version lower than the app's minimum supported API level.

Android 16

API level 36

Current-generation Android platform. Older apps may face stricter security, background execution and compatibility behavior.

Android 15

API level 35

Modern platform requirements can affect storage access, notifications, foreground services and apps built for much older target SDK levels.

Android 14

API level 34

Introduces stricter installation and runtime rules for outdated apps, exact alarms, media access and background activity behavior.

Android 13

API level 33

Apps may request notification permission and use newer media permissions. Older packages may still install but can behave differently.

Android 12 and 12L

API levels 31–32

Includes foreground-service limits, approximate location controls and large-screen improvements in Android 12L.

Android 11

API level 30

Scoped storage and package visibility restrictions can affect file managers, installers and apps that expect unrestricted shared storage access.

Android 10

API level 29

Introduces privacy and storage changes that can affect older apps, especially those that rely on background location or legacy file access.

Android 8–9

API levels 26–28

Uses per-app “Allow from this source” installation permission and includes background execution restrictions for newer target SDK levels.

Android 5–7

API levels 21–25

Legacy devices may require older app versions, 32-bit ARM packages and the global Unknown Sources setting for sideloading.

Android 4.x

API levels 15–20

Most current apps no longer support these versions. Compatible packages usually require significantly older releases and legacy libraries.

Minimum SDK

The lowest Android API level on which the app is allowed to install.

Target SDK

The Android behavior level the developer tested and declared for the app.

Version code

The internal update number Android uses to compare installed and incoming versions.

Required features

Hardware and software requirements such as camera, GPS, touchscreen, television support or Google Play services.