Google Penalizes Excessive Memory Usage in Android Apps

Google is taking steps to address performance issues on Android devices by penalizing developers for excessive memory usage starting in February 2027. The company will limit standard apps to 2.25 GB of RAM when running in the foreground and 1.5 GB when running in the background on devices with 8 GB of RAM, while games will be allowed more space.

The move is seen as a way for Google to promote efficient use of hardware by software developers, who are increasingly expected to optimize their apps for modern laptops that often lack upgradability and have expensive memory. Microsoft has also acknowledged the issue with Windows 11, but its approach differs from Google's, as it sets strict hardware requirements while giving apps considerable leeway in terms of system resources.

The difference in approach highlights the challenges faced by Microsoft in controlling the overall system architecture, given that Windows runs on a wide variety of hardware configurations from different manufacturers. In contrast, Apple's control over its own chip development and operating system allows for more streamlined performance optimization.