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What's the point of using the latest API?

So, I am new to Android development, and recently I did some development that used API 11. If every Android cannot upgrade to the latest API, then what's the point of developing using the latest API? It will be compatible with only a few phones.

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This is a compromise. Later APIs have more features that make your life or application easier.

However, since many devices cannot run later APIs, your target market is smaller.

You must choose an API that will return a large profit. That balancing with earlier APIs can make the development process more complex, longer, and more costly, even if they have more devices.

Similarly, I actually developed software for certain screen sizes, since there is no way for my application to look good on the phone, so there is no point in trying me. I preferred a possible market space to (1) make it look good on tablets; and (2) speed up development time.

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In general, you should choose the minimum API level that provides you with all the features necessary for your application to maximize compatibility.

Newer APIs support newer hardware and software features. But the disadvantage, as you noted, is that most devices will not work in this version.

So it all depends on what you are trying to do.

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Adding to what @MikyDinescu said, these are mostly my thoughts and theory, as I am relatively new to Android as well, but it seems to give more reason to have a Nexus device that receives the latest updates immediately. In addition, I would think that if developers would add new features to their applications for the latest API, it would force carriers / companies to receive the latest Android updates for their devices for users.

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Recent APIs have more features. Android is improving with each version, and the APIs are improving, and some are deprecated. Using the new API, it will help reduce the line to follow recommendations and newer templates if you decide to turn to a larger market (which will eventually come out when old phones are out of date).

I like to use the latest APIs so that people with the latest supported phones can have the latest features (like Jellybean's extended / expandable notification). It could be a simple check of the if-else version.

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