Android Play Store version code maintenance issue

Question

I recently splitted my app apk into two version based on the this multi-versioning guide. the version code was 8012 for API 8+ and 14012 for API 14+ as document recommended.

But I want to merge these multi apks back to single one because I solve the compatibility issues and suffer to maintain two versions.

In this situation, if I release new single apk as version 8013, previous 14012 users might not get the update, right? Do I have to publish version code as 14013? Then, what if I (again) decide to split app into two version? never to use version code 80xx as document recommended?

Answer 1

if I release new single apk as version 8013, previous 14012

You will not be able to release app with lower versionCode that already released build.

Answer 2

I decide to release same files but only to modify manifest in order to maintain separate version code for later use.

so, in my case, simply 8013 for API 8+ and 14013 for API 14+ with only manifest differences.