Android app development for Google Play’s 2026 rules

We don’t publish prices, because cost depends on scope: the devices you support, offline sync, native libraries, integrations and whether you are upgrading an older app. Budget for running costs too, such as Play’s service fees on subscriptions and in-app purchases. After a free call you get a written scope and a fixed quote.

Hire a dedicated Android developer if you have a product manager and a steady backlog; they work in your sprints and you interview them first. Choose a fixed-scope project if you want a defined app delivered against a written scope. Either way, the code, the Play Console account and signing keys are yours.

Native Kotlin when Android comes first or the app leans on device features such as camera, Bluetooth or background work. Flutter when one team needs to ship both stores fast with one UI. Kotlin Multiplatform when you want native UI on each platform but shared business logic. We recommend one in discovery, with the reasons in writing.

Since 31 August 2026, new apps and app updates must target Android 16 (API level 36) or higher, with extensions available to 1 November 2026. Wear OS and Android Automotive apps must target API 35 or higher, and Android TV and Android XR apps API 34 or higher. Source: Android Developers, page updated 16 October 2026.

Developers with personal Play Console accounts created after 13 November 2023 must run a closed test with at least 12 testers who stay opted in for at least 14 days before they can publish to production. We plan the test and the testers into the schedule.

It links apps on certified Android devices to a verified developer identity. Protections began on 30 September 2026 for installs in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, with global roll-out in 2027. Google says Play automatically registers most Play apps; apps distributed outside Play need registering too. We set it up in your account.

You do. The code, designs and IP are assigned to you, and the Play Console account, Play App Signing keys and developer verification are set up under your company from the start. If you change teams later, nothing has to be transferred back to you.

From 30 June 2026 in the US, UK and EEA, Google Play charges a 10% service fee plus a 5% billing fee on auto-renewing subscriptions. For other digital purchases the fee depends on whether the install is new or existing and on programme membership (Play Console Help, read 23 October 2026). Other markets move to the new schedule later; check the table for your country.