App can't be downloaded from Google Play on Android 12, 13 and 14

[Torinde]

From https://developer.android.com/google/play/requirements/target-sdk:

Starting August 31 2024: ... Existing apps must target Android 13 (API level 33) or higher to remain available to new users on devices running Android OS higher than your app's target API level. Apps that target Android 12 (API level 31) or lower (Android 10 (API level 29) or lower for Wear OS and Android 11 (API level 30) or lower for Android TV), will only be available on devices running Android OS that are the same or lower than your app's target API level.

I tried on devices with stock ROM with Android 12, 13 and 14 - Play store doesn't list RetroArch and if trying to open via web I get:

This app isn't available for your device because it was made for an older version of Android

Related:

• 12181

[Vad1mCSO2]

The play protect is freaking out to prevent installing the apk

[Korb]

Currently when viewing an RetroArch screen in F-Droid I see the following notification:

This app was built for an older version of Android and cannot be updated automatically.

OS version: Funtouch OS 14 Model: Vivo T1 (4G, V2153) Hardware version: MP_0.1 Build number: PD22010F_EX_A_14.2.9.0.W20 Baseband version: .HA.1.1.c2-00054-DIVAR_GENSP_PACK-1.29062.107 Kernel version: 4.19.157-perf+, 1 Sat Oct 12 11:14:50 CST 2024 Compile time: 12 Oct 2024 06:06:30 Android security update: 1 October 2024 Google Play system update: 1 October 2024 Software parameter update: 29 October 2024

I suggest you read the article "Meet Google Play's target API level requirement", which is primarily intended for Google Play users, but F-Droid users will also have difficulty finding, installing, and updating the app in situations where OS security requirements conflict with the user app.

Also, I recommend keeping in mind the changes coming in 2025.