Introducing the LineageSDK for developers

From the article:

> we’re announcing some new APIs that will allow your apps to do more when they’re running on a LineageOS-powered device.

> The ... LineageSDK ... allows us to both keep our features out of the core Android frameworks (for better security and easier bringup processes) and expose some extra functionality to app developers.

This sounds like a bold move. Is LineageOS really that widespread that they can afford to try to beat out the stock Android?