[on_and_off]

>reasonable deprecation timeline

Each new Android version starts with a beta which previews and advertises the behavior changes, how is that not a reasonable deprecation timeline ? (real question, not trying to be cute)

> don't let users install apps that target old API levels

Google has been less active on that front that I would like but the play store is starting to at least enforce that new apps and update must target a recent API level.

[paulryanrogers]

> Each new Android version starts with a beta which previews and advertises the behavior changes, how is that not a reasonable deprecation timeline ? (real question, not trying to be cute)

Testing against betas can cause regressions for non-API reasons. That's why I'm reluctant to test against them, preferring to wait for final releases.

For apps that need maximum stability with minimal effort deprecation policies have to preserve BC at least for one release cycle.

[on_and_off]

>Testing against betas can cause regressions for non-API reasons .

if the regression is not listed on the behavior change list, create a ticket on the beta bug tracker to determine if it is intended or a beta bug.

What in this is not ok ? That's what I have been doing in the past cycles and have had no issues. I can't speak for all the usecases, but that's a reasonable process.