More frequent Android SDK releases: faster innovation, higher quality and more polish

Android is planning to introduce more frequent SDK releases, with two releases planned for 2025, including new developer APIs. The first release will be a major update in Q2, which will include behavior changes that can affect apps, and the second will be a minor update in Q4 with new APIs but no planned behavior changes. This change aims to drive faster innovation in apps and devices, improving user and developer experiences. Developers will need to conduct compatibility testing earlier in the year for the major release. The minor release will not increment the API level but will introduce a new minor API level value. Planning for 2026 will not change the target API level requirements or associated dates for apps in Google Play. Developers should test their builds and CI systems with SDKs supporting major and minor API levels. Meta has successfully improved its velocity towards targetSdkVersion adoption by 4x, demonstrating the importance of proactive testing and embracing new releases. Android will continue to work closely with developers throughout the year, providing quarterly releases for testing and feedback.