Each Android release has an API level: Android 5.0 is API 21, Android 8.0 is API 26, Android 10 is API 29, Android 13 is API 33, Android 14 is API 34, Android 15 is API 35 and Android 16 is API 36. An app's minSdk is the oldest version it installs on; its targetSdk is the version it is built and tested for, which Google Play requires to be recent.
Versions and API levels
| Android version | Name | API level | Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Baklava | 36 | 2025 |
| 15 | Vanilla Ice Cream | 35 | 2024 |
| 14 | Upside Down Cake | 34 | 2023 |
| 13 | Tiramisu | 33 | 2022 |
| 12L | Snow Cone v2 | 32 | 2022 |
| 12 | Snow Cone | 31 | 2021 |
| 11 | Red Velvet Cake | 30 | 2020 |
| 10 | Quince Tart | 29 | 2019 |
| 9 | Pie | 28 | 2018 |
| 8.1 | Oreo | 27 | 2017 |
| 8.0 | Oreo | 26 | 2017 |
| 7.1 | Nougat | 25 | 2016 |
| 7.0 | Nougat | 24 | 2016 |
| 6.0 | Marshmallow | 23 | 2015 |
| 5.1 | Lollipop | 22 | 2015 |
| 5.0 | Lollipop | 21 | 2014 |
minSdk vs targetSdk
- minSdk — the oldest Android the app installs on. Below it, users see "not compatible" (install errors). HTML2APK's app shell supports Android 5.0 (API 21) and later.
- targetSdk — the Android version whose behaviour rules the app follows (edge-to-edge drawing, permission prompts, background limits). HTML2APK builds target the current release (API 36).
- compileSdk — the SDK used to build; a build-time detail.
Google Play's target API requirement
Google raises the minimum targetSdk for new apps and updates every year, around 31 August. Since August 2025 new apps and updates must target at least API 35 (Android 15); the 2026 cycle moves to API 36 (Android 16). Always confirm on Google's "Target API level requirements" help page. Apps already published but not updated become hidden from users on newer Android versions.
What it means for an HTML app
Your HTML runs in WebView, which updates separately through Google Play — so even an Android 8 phone usually has a modern rendering engine. The API level mainly affects the app shell: permissions, edge-to-edge layout (Android 15+ draws behind the system bars, hence safe-area padding) and store eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
What API level is Android 14?
API level 34. Android 15 is 35 and Android 16 is 36.
What minimum Android version should an HTML app support?
Android 7.0 (API 24) or newer covers almost every active phone. Going lower adds very few users, and those phones often run outdated WebView versions.