Google has introduced new guidelines for Android developers which will change the definition of the application as we know it. They have mainly focused on three major factors in app development process (Security, Performance, and Authentication).

App security has been the most requested demands from the end users. These guidelines given by Google promise users the best experience and high-end security in Android applications. These guidelines will come to effect from early 2018 and 2019 but as you know there aren’t many days left for 2018, so let us get acquainted with these new development guidelines.

1) To increase the security and performance of the application developers need to understand the importance of the latest Android API. New Android API will become compulsory in new applications in August 2018 and updates to the existing apps will follow in November 2018. Latest API’s will ensure the optimized security of the apps hence promising better performance.

2) Play store will require the new apps and updates to be introduced in 64-bit version along with 32-bit versions from the August of 2019.

3) From early 2018, Play will start adding more security metadata on each APK in the app store to enhance app authenticity. This is to prevent any third-party access or data theft. Developers don’t have to take initiative for this change.

64-bit version app requirement

Google has asked all the developers to serve their user with a 64-bit version of their application together with the 32-bit version. 64-bit version architectures were introduced in Android 5.0. Nowadays over 40% of apps are 64-bit version but also supports 32-bit version. Apps using 64-bit native libraries perform better than 32-bit versions. That is the reason Play has made 64-bit version apps mandatory along with 32-bit version apps.

Latest API level requirement

API has a vital role in maintaining the security and privacy of the user. That is the reason Google has introduced new API to enhance the security of the application and protect users from malware.

In blindService() implicit intents are no longer supported in latest Android versions and the same goes for runtime permissions. For the secure connections in Android, user-added CAs has lost the reliability so it won’t be used in Android 7.0 or higher system. Apps would not be able to access any user’s account without the user’s definite permission.

The developers will have to update their API to the targeted level for enhanced user experience in the given time.

• Until August 2018 the developers will have to update the API level to 26 for any new applications falling under Android 8.0 or higher versions.
• Until November 2018 the developers will have to update their existing apps to API level 26 or higher.
• From 2019, the targeted API level requirement will progress, so while programming any new app always consider the future API needs.

Conclusion

Android apps are growing rapidly, so it becomes essential for Google Play services to provide a better experience and app security to their users. Many companies of App Development in India and around the world are adapting according to the Google’s new app development guidelines. If you haven’t started then don’t worry because you have more than enough time to update your application according to the new directives.