Google Warns Android Devs of Looming Memory Crisis
Google is warning Android app developers about a looming crisis in software memory usage. The tech giant says it's introducing new app quality requirements to curb apps' excessive memory consumption, which can slow down entire systems.
The move comes as the mobile industry grapples with hardware supply constraints driven by the AI data center boom. Google Play is now setting performance thresholds across three areas: dynamic memory usage, bitmap memory usage, and code optimization.
Apps published on Google Play will need at least 25% coverage across optimisation, shrinking, and obfuscation using tools like R8 to avoid being slowed down or terminated. The new requirements also target sign-ins during device migrations with a Zero-Tap Sign-In standard that requires automatic restoration of user sign-in state when switching devices.
New Google Play Console tools will flag memory bloat before enforcement begins, and apps failing to meet the thresholds may see reduced app visibility and publishing capabilities on Google Play. Enforcement starts in February 2027, with full details shared later this year.