AI2 API needs to be upgraded

[Mark Osborn]

The following message was posted on my Google Play account, what does it mean?:

"Target API level requirements from August 2018

Warning:

Your app currently targets API level 4 and must target at least API level 26 to ensure it is built on the latest APIs optimised for security and performance.

From August 2018, new apps must target at least Android 8.0 (API level 26).
From November 2018, app updates must target Android 8.0 (API level 26).

Tip:

Change your app's target API level. Learn how."

Does this mean that we can't use the Google Play store?

[SteveJG]

MIT is aware of the changes made by Google Play and their requirements.   App Inventor's code is being modified to target  API level 26 and at least level 8.  Currently App Inventor targets at least level 7.  It means that after MIT App Inventor 2 makes changes,  AI2 apps will fulfill Google's requirement prior to August 2018.   After August 2018, any apk's posted to Google Play Store built with MIT App Inventor 2 will have to be compiled with the latest version of MIT App Inventor 2.  MIT expects a compatible version will be available prior to the requirement date.

Regarding your current app, you will have to recompile it with App Inventor 2 and change it's Version number most probably.  Google does not say what will happen if you do not upgrade that current app (it might be removed or ?  we do not know).  The notice does not mean you will not be able to use the Play Store; it means you will have to upgrade your app.  MIT is planning on making that easy but the change has not occured yet so wait for a version of AI2 that the release notes indicates it targets Level 26 before you rebuild.

If you are concerned, you could graduate to the professional, free, Android Studio compiler ahead of time but that should not be necessary.

Regards,

Steve