Targeting Older Mobile Devices In 2019

Something doesn't add up: According to Google Play’s target API level requirements new apps for Android as of June 2019 cannot target Android versions below 8. Starting with Augu

Solution 1:

The targetSdkVersion restriction was introduced to prevent app developers from using old apis like permissions to bypass runtime permissions. An app targeting older api version was always allowed all required permissions at installation time. With the introduction of run time permissions, user has a better understanding and control of permissions in app. The minSdkVersion is the one which actually affects from which version of Android your app runs. API Level 21 would do good as it has near to 85% coverage of devices.

Solution 2:

The restrictions that the Play Store imposes is on targetSdkVersion. You are confusing that with minSdkVersion. minSdkVersion controls how old of an Android device can run the code, and this is not affected by the Play Store restrictions.