How to Update Your App SDK To Target Android API Level 36 (Android 16)
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How to Update Your App SDK To Target Android API Level 36 (Android 16)

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By
Jane T
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Last Updated
June 17, 2026
·4,117 views·11 min read
TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read

A practical guide to updating your Android app SDK to target API Level 36 (Android 16), the requirement Google Play enforces from August 31, 2026 for new app submissions and updates. Covers the build.gradle changes, the new 16 KB memory page-size requirement, and how to verify the upgrade. Swiftspeed apps already target API 36, so you just regenerate a build and resubmit, no Android Studio needed.

When Google introduced Android 16, we knew it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work as developers. In this detailed guide, 'How to Update Your App SDK to Target Android API Level 36, ' we will show you how to update your mobile app SDK to meet the latest Android API Level 36 requirements, and what the August 31, 2026 Google Play deadline means for your app.

Building with Swiftspeed? No technical action needed.

Swiftspeed already targets Android API Level 36 (Android 16) for every app on the platform. You do not touch Android Studio, gradle, or the SDK Manager. Just log in to your editor, regenerate a fresh Android build (AAB), and resubmit it to Google Play. That is the whole process. The rest of this guide is for the manual route or for the curious.

Rather skip the API-level chase entirely? Swiftspeed handles SDK upgrades, signing, and Google Play submission as a managed service. See the feature catalog or pricing ($15/mo Pro during the 50% off launch promo, forever-locked at signup).

Google said:

Starting August 31, 2026:

  • New apps and app updates must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher to be submitted to Google Play, except for Wear OS, Android Automotive OS, and Android TV apps, which must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.

  • Existing apps must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher to remain available to new users on devices running an Android OS version higher than your app's target API level. Apps that target a lower API level will only be available on devices running the same or lower Android OS version than your app's target.

You will be able to request an extension if you need more time to update your app. Extension request forms become available in Play Console for impacted apps.


What to do to comply

New apps

Existing apps

When you publish a new app, you must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher.

If your existing app targets Android 15 (API level 35) or higher, then your app is compliant with this policy. If your existing app's target is lower than Android 15 (API level 35), it will stop being available to new users whose devices run Android OS versions higher than your app's target API level, because your app was not built to meet the safety and quality standard those users expect from newer Android OS versions. If you plan to update this app to a higher target API level, you can submit an extension request through the form linked in your Play Console inbox. When you update your app, you must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher.


Wear OS app requirements

New apps

Existing apps

When you publish a new Wear OS app, you must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.

If your existing Wear OS app targets Android 15 (API level 35) or higher, then your app is compliant with this policy. If your existing app's target is lower, it will stop being available to new Google Play users whose devices run Android OS versions newer than your app's target API level. If you plan to update this app, you can submit an extension request through the form linked in your Play Console inbox. When you update your app, you must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.

Android TV requirements

New apps

Existing apps

When you publish a new Android TV app, you must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.

If your existing Android TV app targets Android 15 (API level 35) or higher, then your app is compliant with this policy. If your existing app's target is lower, it will stop being available to new Google Play users whose devices run Android OS versions newer than your app's target API level. If you plan to update this app, you can submit an extension request through the form linked in your Play Console inbox. When you update your app, you must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.

Android Automotive OS requirements

New apps

Existing apps

When you publish a new Android Automotive OS app, you must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.

If your existing Android Automotive OS app targets Android 15 (API level 35) or higher, then your app is compliant with this policy. If your existing app's target is lower, it will stop being available to new Google Play users whose devices run Android OS versions newer than your app's target API level. If you plan to update this app, you can submit an extension request through the form linked in your Play Console inbox. When you update your app, you must target Android 15 (API level 35) or higher.


By updating your SDK to API Level 36, you meet the requirement that takes effect on August 31, 2026, and stay ahead of the curve. You can read the official Google Play policy here.

One more Android 16 requirement: 16 KB memory page sizes. Android 16 introduces support for devices using a 16 KB memory page size. Apps with native libraries (.so files) must be aligned to 16 KB boundaries to run correctly on these devices. If you build manually, rebuild your native dependencies against the latest NDK. If you build with Swiftspeed, this is already handled for you in the managed build pipeline.

👉🏾 Other Swiftspeed users have read: Swiftspeed App Maker: Build an app for free without Coding

API Level 36: What You Need to Know

SDK 36

How to Update Your SDK and App To Target Android API Level 36

With Google's release of Android 16, updating your app to target API level 36 is the right move. Here are the simple steps to update your app's API Level manually.

Updating Android SDK via Android Studio

  1. Open Android Studio: Launch Android Studio and open the mobile project you wish to update. This should be an app you have already uploaded to Google Play, or a new one you intend to upload later.

  2. Navigate to SDK Manager: Click on Tools in the menu bar and select SDK Manager.

  3. SDK Platforms Tab: Under the SDK Platforms tab, you will find a list of available API levels. Check the box next to Android 16 (API level 36).

  4. Apply and Install: Click on Apply and then OK to install the selected API level.

  5. Update build.gradle: Open your build.gradle (Module: app) file and update the compileSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion to 36.

  6. Sync Project: After updating the build.gradle file, click on Sync Now at the top of Android Studio to sync your project with the updated gradle files.

Manually Updating Android SDK

  1. Download SDK: Visit the Android developer website and download the SDK package for API level 36. You can also download this through the SDK Manager in Android Studio.

  2. Extract Files: Extract the downloaded SDK package to a location of your choice.

  3. Set Environment Variable: Add the path of the extracted SDK to your system's PATH environment variable.

  4. Update Project Settings: In your project settings, update the SDK location to the path where you extracted the new SDK.

  5. Update build.gradle: Just like in the Android Studio method, update your compileSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion to 36 in your build.gradle file.

  6. Rebuild Project: Finally, rebuild your project to apply the changes.

The Importance of Android API Level Compliance

Compliance goes beyond trending terminology in mobile app development. To ensure the success of your app, it is essential to stay compliant with minimum API level requirements and other Google Play guidelines. By targeting the latest Android API level, your app gains access to the most recent features, enhancements, and better compatibility. This not only elevates user experience, it significantly minimizes the risk of app malfunctions.

👉🏾 Other Swiftspeed users have read: From Features To Preferences: What Android And IOS Users Really Care About

The Risks of Non-Compliance with Android API Level

Ignoring API-level compliance is not an option if you are serious about your app's success. In practice, apps that are not compliant cannot be submitted or updated, and existing apps become invisible to new users on newer devices, severely limiting reach and downloads. That is bad for business, especially if your mobile application is a source of income for you as an individual developer or a company.

Even where your app remains listed for existing users, it loses access to new installs on modern devices, which quietly caps your growth. In worst-case scenarios, running on an outdated API level can also expose your app to security vulnerabilities, putting your users' data at risk.

The Role of Testing in API Compliance

Calm down; before you rush to update your app's Android API level manually, remember that thorough testing is crucial. Updating the API level can introduce new behaviors or break existing functionality. This is typical of any software update.

Test your app rigorously on both emulators and actual devices running Android 16, including devices using the new 16 KB memory page size. This ensures that your app not only complies with the new Android API level but also delivers a seamless user experience. (Swiftspeed users get this validated in the managed build pipeline, so this step is automatic for apps built on our platform.)

Swiftspeed: Best Android App Builder Platform (Automated Updates)

When it comes to building Android apps, Swiftspeed stands unrivaled as the best Android App Builder platform out there. Whether you are a seasoned developer or someone who cannot write a single line of code, our no-code app builder has you covered.

With Swiftspeed Appcreator, you can build custom mobile applications with ready-made or custom app templates and sophisticated mobile app features without writing a single line of code.

Make an app with Swiftspeed App

Create premium apps without writing a single line of code, thanks to our user-friendly app builder. Build an app for your website or business with ease.

But that is not all. One of the standout features of Swiftspeed is the ease with which your app stays on the right API level. We are always on top of Google's latest updates, rolling out new SDK versions as soon as they are available. We targeted Android API Level 36 well ahead of the August 31, 2026 deadline.

For our users, this means zero headaches. The new API level is already in place for every app created on our platform. All you have to do is log in to our app builder editor, regenerate your app AAB file, and re-upload it to Google Play.

It is that simple. With Swiftspeed, you are not just building an app; you are formulating an experience, all while staying ahead of the SDK release curve.

Our platform is built to ease the complexities of mobile app development, including API-level updates. With our comprehensive guides and community support, you can ensure that your app remains compliant, secure, and up-to-date.

Swiftspeed App Builder Key Improvements for the Year 2026

Android and Build Pipeline

  • APPS > ANDROID: The target SDK has been raised to API level 36 (Android 16) to meet Google's August 31, 2026 requirement, with native libraries aligned for the new 16 KB memory page size.

  • BUILD > ANDROID: A build-cache fix significantly reduces Android build times, so regenerating your AAB after the SDK bump is faster than before.

AI App Builder

  • EDITOR > AI BUILDER: A chat-style AI assistant now lives in the editor. Describe what you want in plain English and it adds features, fills in content, switches templates, and drafts copy. It is state-aware and can roll back its own changes.

Managed Publishing

  • PUBLISH > MANAGED: Swiftspeed can now publish your iOS and Android apps for you as a managed service, handling SDK upgrades, signing, and store submission end to end.

Monetization

  • FEATURES > IN-APP PURCHASE: Full Apple and Google in-app purchase support for subscriptions and unlocks, paired with App Access so you can gate the whole app or specific features behind a purchase. See our in-app purchase setup guide.

Audio and Radio Streaming

  • FEATURES > RADIO / AUDIO: Live radio now shows correct lock-screen metadata and media controls on Android, plus resilience improvements that keep streams alive through network drops.

Events and Layout Fixes

  • FEATURES > EVENTS: Event organizers get a per-event stats dashboard to track attendance and ticket performance at a glance.

  • APP > ADMOB: A navigation-inset fix stops ad banners from overlapping the bottom navigation on Android.

  • FEATURES > APPOINTMENTS: New alarm and reminder controls for the appointments feature.

👉🏾 You can also read: How to make money from apps Using Freemium app monetization

Push Notification Migration

Push notifications run on OneSignal for a more efficient and cost-effective experience. You can set it up using this article.

How to Update Your App to Target the New Android API Level

To update your app and comply with Google's new API-level requirements, log in to your dashboard. Navigate to the 'Download Your App' tab and scroll down to find the options for generating your Android AAB and source code. Regenerate the build and resubmit it to Google Play. That is all that is required on your end.

Swiftspeed dashboard

At Swiftspeed, we understand the complexities of app development and the challenge of constantly evolving Android API-level requirements. That is why we are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to stay ahead. Our platform is designed to make these transitions as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on what you do best, creating amazing apps.

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