Target API level requirement from late 2018

Question

I don\'t know if this is a correct place where ask the following:

I have read on the google play developer console that :

In the second half of 2

Answer 1

What does this mean?

its means that you need to set target sdk Android 8.0 (26 API)

Does this mean that I will not be able to develop applications compatible with versions smaller than 8.0?

No it means that the end November your app must compatible with Android O (26 API)

This would result in a "death" of all devices with version other than 8.0

NO

how can bug fixings / new features be introduced within existing apps with versions other than 8.0?

it will support all features introduced within existing apps with versions other than 8.0

is Google thinking about releasing android oreo for all devices on the market?

Nobody knows the future