Source-linked portfolio checklist
Google Play API 36 deadline checklist.
A practical owner-and-date review for app agencies preparing portfolios for Google Play’s August 31, 2026 target API deadline.
- Official Google source
- Review required
- Named owners and dates
- No code or store access
What Google currently says
The date is public. Portfolio ownership is the harder part.
Google’s published requirement says that, starting August 31, 2026, new apps and app updates generally must target Android 16, API level 36, to be submitted to Google Play.
Google separately says existing apps generally must target Android 15, API level 35, or higher to remain available to new users on devices running Android versions newer than the app’s target API level.
Wear OS, Android Automotive OS and Android TV have platform-specific exceptions. Google also describes an extension route through November 1, 2026. Check the official source for the full rule and current exceptions.
Portfolio operating checklist
Five rows to establish before the release queue gets crowded.
- 01
Approved app inventory
Record the customer-approved package or store URL, platform variant and whether an Android release is expected after August 31.
- 02
Current target API
Have the customer’s technical owner confirm the current target API. Public store pages alone do not establish this private app fact.
- 03
Next release date
Record the planned submission date and whether the release depends on work outside the portfolio team’s control.
- 04
Named owner and action date
Assign one person to confirm the requirement, choose the next action and provide evidence by a defined date.
- 05
Exception or extension decision
Record whether a platform exception may apply or whether the account owner should evaluate Google’s extension process. Do not assume eligibility.
Free three-app deadline check
Send three approved app URLs. Get the first owner-and-date questions.
We will review the official requirement and prepare a compact, review-gated starting register for up to three customer-approved apps. We will not claim an app is affected without facts from your team.
$0
Initial three-app check
- Up to three customer-approved public app URLs
- Official source and retrieval date
- Missing-fact questions, owner field and action-date field
- No code, repository, credential or store-console access
- No legal advice, certification or outcome guarantee
This opens your email app with a request template. Review it, then press send. You can also email hello@deadlinebeam.com directly.
Important limits
A planning aid, not a compliance determination.
Every app-specific conclusion remains review required. Deadline Beam does not inspect source code, access app-store accounts, implement changes, provide legal advice, certify compliance or guarantee approval or enforcement outcomes.
Deadline Beam is not affiliated with Google and is not endorsed by Google. Google’s official documentation controls if this page and the source differ.