Updates to Android

We are planning to roll out some updates to VoltBuilder’s Android support. Here’s what is changing:

  1. Builds will use Android SDK Platform 30, which corresponds to Android 11. Google has developer documentation for Android 11 here.

  2. cordova-android 10.1.1. This is the latest version of Cordova’s Android support.

    To be listed in the Google Play Store, you may need to use this version. To use the previous version, add this line to your config.xml file:
    <engine name="android" spec="9.0.0" />
    To use the new version, add this line to your config.xml file:
    <engine name="android" spec="10.1.1" />

  3. Not all plugins have been updated for Cordova 10 yet. If you find problems with a plugin, check that you’re using the latest version of it. If you are, check with the maintainer if it should work, and open an issue there if needed. In the meantime, you can drop back to Cordova 9 - but that is not a permanent solution.

  4. In config.xml, if you fail to add a content line, VoltBuilder defaults to index.html:
    <content src="index.html" />
    (If the main file of your app is a different, you can substitute its name.)

  5. Builds make .apk files by default. These can be used for debug builds and for release builds outside the Google Play Store. To make .aab (Android Application Bundles), add this line to your voltbuilder.json file:
    "androidPackageType": "bundle",

    .aab files cannot be used outside the Google Play Store.

  6. Certificates in the Google Play Store have changed somewhat. (There are no changes for apps distributed outside the Store). Google now requires all new apps use Google Play Signing, which is separate from the signing which is required to upload your app. VoltSigner can be used to make the self signed certificates (.p12) which are required for upload to the Play Store. If you use Play App Signing, this certificate is just used to verify your identity and the Play Store handles the actual app signing. We strongly suggest you use Play App Signing when possible.

    Once you generate a certificate for uploads, you will need to keep using that certificate for uploads. If you lose your certificate or password, your only option is to create a new store listing with a new package name and start from scratch. (One time exceptions have been made - contact Google for this.)

Changes to cordova-android

Cordova-android 10 has a number of changes which may break your project. See the Release Notes below for the full details.

  • Migration to AndroidX from Android Support Library is complete. All plugins that use the Android Support Library will need to be updated to reference the new AndroidX library.
  • By default, the WebViewAssetLoader is enabled and allows apps to serve their content from a ‘proper’ origin.
  • Support for Android App Bundles (aab) added.
  • lots of smaller fixes
  • updates to libraries

Release Notes

What VoltBuilder does

To start testing your app right away check out VoltBuilder!

VoltBuilder is a wrapper for Apache Cordova and Ionic Capacitor. We make it easy for you to build native executables (e.g., .apk, .aab, and .ipa) for Android and iOS from web apps. You can augment these executables with native code plugins to extend your app’s capabilities far beyond what is possible in Web Apps and PWAs.

Using VoltBuilder simplifies and speeds up your workflow while keeping things framework neutral. As a web service, there is nothing you need to install. We also keep everything up to date so you can focus on building to the latest standards, and make sure to keep you in the loop on things that might affect your build process.

The way VoltBuilder works is simple. Zip your project, upload it to VoltBuilder, and download your Android or iOS executable.

Getting Started With VoltBuilder

If you haven’t already, sign up and select the VoltBuilder plan that best fits your needs and budget. You can use the Free plan for limited testing, or get more builds by trying out our Indy or Pro plans with a 15 day free trial!

Then, check out our Docs Section to learn how to integrate VoltBuilder into your development process.

When you’re ready to upload your first project, watch our video tutorial (or read the tutorial in our docs). The Docs section has plenty of other helpful resources, like Migration Guides, sample projects, and tips to get you started! If you need extra help, stop by our Support Forum!

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