I think the apps don't have to explicitly support that specific API, they just have to target a modern Android version. Google technically doesn't have that res

I think the apps don't have to explicitly support that specific API, they just have to target a modern Android version. Google technically doesn't have that restriction, but nevertheless imposes the same restriction on the Play store. (Not saying it's appropriate to impose the "devs must update apps for each Android version" requirement this way.)