Target API level requirement from late 2018

Question

I don\'t know if this is a correct place where ask the following:

I have read on the google play developer console that :

In the second half of 2

Answer 1

What does this mean?

What it means is, you should ensure you have set targetSdkVersion to 26 in your build.gradle and your application is compatible with Android O behavior changes.

Does this mean that I will not be able to develop application compatible with versions smaller than 8.0?

You can set minSdkVersion lower than 8.0.

This would result in a "death" of all devices with version other than 8.0 ... Or is Google thinking about releasing android oreo for all devices on the market?

The distribution rate for Android O is still around 6%, which means older versions still constitute around 94%. They cannot implement drastic changes for this reason. Older OS version will be still supported until the adaptation for Android O changes drastically. It could be challenging because it involves adaptation from huge number of manufacturers.

If you are uploading your app as your first release, then you must ensure you are compatible with Android O.

For updates to existing app, the deadline is November.

onsole, Android Studio, and Firebase. Start survey Meet Google Play's target API level requirement

Bad interpretation of the message ?

Actual statement in English from site is:

Google Play will require that new apps target at least Android 8.0 (API level 26) from August 1, 2018, and that app updates target Android 8.0 from November 1, 2018.