Google is introducing stricter requirements for Android apps as the mobile industry faces memory supply constraints. Rising demand from AI data centers has put increasing pressure on global memory supplies.
Starting in February 2027, apps and games on Google Play must meet new memory and code optimization requirements. Google designed the changes to keep Android devices responsive, even when manufacturers use less RAM.
The company said the mobile industry faces “significant hardware supply constraints.” These constraints are affecting the amount of memory available in new devices.
Google has also noted that some new phones are maintaining or reducing their physical RAM. Rising memory prices have contributed to this trend.
Google Will Monitor App RAM Usage
Google Play will introduce two new memory-related Android vitals. These include dynamic memory usage and bitmap memory usage.
Google will evaluate apps over a rolling 28-day period. The limits will depend on how an app uses the device’s memory.
Different thresholds will apply to foreground apps, user-facing services, background apps, and cached apps. The limits will also depend on the amount of RAM in the device.
For example, a regular foreground app on a 4GB phone will face a 2GB memory threshold. The threshold rises to 2.25GB on an 8GB device.
A 16GB phone will allow up to 4.25GB under Google Play’s bad-behavior thresholds.
New Code Optimization Rules
Google will also introduce minimum code optimization requirements.
Apps with more than 10MB of DEX code must achieve at least 25% optimization. Games that exceed 50MB must meet the same requirement.
Developers will need to use code shrinking and optimization tools. Google recommends tools such as R8 to remove unnecessary code and reduce memory consumption.
These measures aim to make Android apps smaller and more efficient.
Android 17 Adds Memory Controls
Android 17 already includes a Memory Limiter that monitors individual app processes.
The system can intervene when an app consumes too much memory. It may throttle the app or reclaim memory.
In extreme cases, Android can terminate the app process.
Google first introduced the feature on Pixel devices. The company expects more Android manufacturers to adopt it in the future.
Google will also provide new alerts and diagnostic tools. These tools will help developers identify apps that exceed the new memory limits.
Moving to a New Android Phone Will Get Easier
Google will introduce another Play requirement in April 2027.
Apps that offer user accounts must support Zero-Tap Sign-In Restoration. The feature will allow users to stay signed in when moving data from an old Android phone to a new one.
Google recommends the Android Restore Credentials API. The API works on devices running Android 9 and newer.
The requirement will apply to apps with optional or mandatory sign-in systems.
Google has currently exempted games from the requirement. Some regulated apps may also qualify for exemptions.
Google says these changes will help keep Android apps fast and reliable. The new rules will also help the ecosystem adapt to tighter memory availability on future devices.
