Google Ads API v15 sunset: Crucial deadline for developers to upgrade

Google this week has reminded developers that the Google Ads API version 15 (v15) will be sunset on September 25, 2024. This decision, made public on August 15, 2024, gives developers approximately six weeks to complete their migration to a newer version of the API. The announcement underscores Google's commitment to maintaining an up-to-date and efficient advertising platform.

The Google Ads API is a crucial tool for advertisers and developers who manage large or complex Google Ads accounts programmatically. It allows for the automation of various tasks, from campaign management to reporting, and is integral to many businesses' advertising strategies.

According to the official announcement, after September 25, 2024, all v15 API requests will begin to fail. This hard cutoff date emphasizes the importance of timely migration to ensure uninterrupted API access for businesses relying on the Google Ads ecosystem.

To understand the context of this decision, it's important to note Google's versioning strategy for its Ads API. The company typically maintains three major versions of the API concurrently, with each version having a lifespan of approximately 12 months. This approach allows for a balance between introducing new features and providing stability for developers.

The sunset process is part of Google's regular update cycle, which sees new versions released every 3 to 4 months on average. When a new version is released, the oldest version in circulation is typically deprecated and given a sunset date. This process ensures that developers are always working with relatively current versions of the API, benefiting from the latest features and security updates.

For developers currently using v15, the migration process will involve updating their code to work with either v16 or v17 of the Google Ads API. While Google encourages upgrading to the latest version whenever possible, they provide flexibility by allowing upgrades to any of the currently supported versions.

To assist with the transition, Google has provided several resources for developers. These include comprehensive upgrade guides and detailed release notes that outline changes between versions. These resources are crucial for developers to understand the differences between API versions and to plan their migration strategies effectively.

One of the key tools available to developers during this transition is the Google Cloud Console. This platform allows developers to view a list of methods and services their projects have recently called, providing valuable insights into their current API usage. By accessing the APIs & Services section and navigating to the Google Ads API metrics, developers can see which API versions they are currently using across their projects.

The process for checking API usage involves several steps:

1. Opening the Dashboard page under APIs & Services in the Google Cloud Console.
2. Locating and clicking on the Google Ads API in the provided table.
3. Examining the METRICS subtab, which displays recent requests plotted on graphs.
4. Reviewing the Methods table at the bottom of the page, which shows the specific methods called, including the API version used.

This information is crucial for developers to assess the scope of their necessary updates and to prioritize their migration efforts.

The sunset of v15 also brings attention to Google's broader API lifecycle management. The company maintains a clear timetable for API versions, including release dates, deprecation dates, and sunset dates. This transparency allows developers to plan their development cycles and resource allocation more effectively.

For instance, the current timetable shows that v16, released on February 21, 2024, is set to sunset in January 2025. Meanwhile, v17, released on June 5, 2024, is projected to sunset in May 2025. This forward-looking information helps developers make informed decisions about which version to migrate to, balancing the longevity of support with access to the latest features.

It's worth noting that the deprecation of an API version doesn't immediately render it unusable. Deprecated versions continue to function until their sunset date, allowing for a transition period. However, deprecated versions do not receive new features, and their references are de-emphasized in documentation to encourage migration to newer versions.

The impact of this sunset extends beyond individual developers to potentially affect a wide range of businesses that rely on the Google Ads API. These could include digital marketing agencies, e-commerce platforms, and various software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers that offer Google Ads management tools. For these businesses, ensuring a smooth transition is crucial to maintain the integrity of their services and avoid disruptions for their clients.

Google's approach to API versioning and sunsetting is not unique in the tech industry. Many large platforms employ similar strategies to balance innovation with stability. However, Google's clear communication and ample resources for migration set a strong standard for developer support during these transitions.

As the sunset date approaches, the Google Ads API team, led by Thanet Knack Praneenararat, has encouraged developers with questions to reach out through the official forum or via email at googleadsapi-support@google.com. This open line of communication underscores Google's commitment to supporting its developer community through this transition.

In conclusion, the sunset of Google Ads API v15 represents a significant milestone for developers working within the Google Ads ecosystem. While it necessitates action from developers, it also reflects the ongoing evolution of Google's advertising technologies. As the digital advertising landscape continues to change, staying current with these API updates ensures that businesses can leverage the latest capabilities and maintain their competitive edge in online advertising.

Key facts

Google Ads API v15 will sunset on September 25, 2024

After the sunset date, all v15 API requests will fail

Developers are advised to migrate to a newer version (v16 or v17) before the sunset date

Google typically maintains three major API versions concurrently

Each major version has a lifespan of approximately 12 months

New versions are released every 3 to 4 months on average

Developers can use the Google Cloud Console to check their current API usage

Google provides upgrade guides and release notes to assist with migration

Support is available through the official forum and email for developers with questions