https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platforms


Each SDK Platform version includes the following packages:

  • The Android SDK Platform package. This is required to compile your app for that version.
  • Several System Image packages. At least one of these is required to run that version on the Android Emulator.

    Each platform version includes a system image for each supported form factor (handsets, Android TV, and Android Wear). Each form factor may offer variations to match your computor's processor architecture (such as Intel x86 and ARM EABI). System images labeled Google APIs include access to Google Play services and those labeled Google Play also include Google Play Store.

  • The Sources for Android package. This includes the source files for the platform. Android Studio may show lines of code from these files while you debug your app.

The revision numbers listed below are for the Android SDK Platform package only. The system images may receive separate updates, usually to resolve various bugs with the emulator. There are no release notes for the system images but you should always keep them up to date.