Delphi Android app API level 26?

Question

I got my app into Google Play's app store but I also got this warning:

Your app currently targets API level 14 and must target at least API level 26 to ensure it is built on the latest APIs optimized for security and performance.

From August 2018, new apps must target at least Android 8.0 (API level 26). From November 2018, app updates must target Android 8.0 (API level 26).

How do I get Delphi 10.2.3 to "target API level 26"?

Answer 1

Go to the AndroidManifest.template.xml file within your Delphi project directory and then change the "android:targetSdkVersion" from "%targetSdkVersion%" to "26". This was a bug in Delphi 10.2.3. It's now fixed in Delphi 10.3.2 and later.

Also make sure that you have Android API 26 selected within the Delphi SDK Manager Properties.

See also Deadline Approaching: Google’s new Android API level 26 Requirements.

Answer 2

See https://community.embarcadero.com/blogs/entry/deadline-approaching-google-s-new-android-api-level-26-requirements.

Option 1: Get the 10.3 Beta Release including support for Android API level 26 The change to support Android API level 26 requires significant work, and is not possible in a 10.2 update. We plan to deliver full support for Android API level 26 in the next major release of RAD Studio, 10.3. While this release will take some more time, we understand that some customers require a solution soon. We will invite all customers on active Update Subscription to join our upcoming 10.3 Beta (under NDA). More details on the Beta and how to sign up will be shared in the coming weeks over email - check your inbox. The 10.3 beta will allow you to target Android API level 26. Although the usual beta restrictions do not allow for building and deploying production apps, this beta will have a special EULA provision allowing you to deploy (production) Android apps to the Google Play Store. Being able to participate in our Beta program is one of the great benefits of Update Subscription. You can check how many days you have remaining on your Update Subscription using the License Manager.

Option 2: Using 10.2.3 In lieu of using the 10.3 beta to deliver Android API level 26 ready apps, another option is to follow Embarcadero MVP Dave Nottage’s excellent blog post on how to target Android API Level 26 with Delphi, C++Builder and RAD Studio 10.2.3 Tokyo: http://delphiworlds.com/2018/06/targeting-android-8-and-higher-continued/