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Google Update: RAM-hungry apps beware… Google to rein them in..
Shikha Saxena | August 31, 2026 4:15 PM CST

Google has announced new quality standards for Android apps aimed at curbing excessive RAM usage. According to the company, maintaining optimal phone performance is crucial amidst growing pressure on memory chip availability. Under these new rules, action will be taken against apps that exceed established limits for memory and resource usage. These regulations will come into effect in February 2027, and non-compliant apps may face reduced visibility and restricted publishing capabilities on Google Play.

**Limits on App RAM Usage**
Google has introduced new guidelines regarding memory usage for Android apps. The company notes that increasing pressure on hardware supplies within the mobile industry could impact device memory availability in the future. Consequently, comprehensive memory limits are being implemented in Android to prevent a single app from consuming excessive memory and slowing down the entire system. Google Play is establishing performance benchmarks in three key areas: code optimization, bitmap memory usage, and dynamic memory usage.

**Developers Must Optimize Apps**
Apps on Google Play will be required to achieve at least 25% coverage in optimization, shrinking, and obfuscation using tools like R8. Google has clarified that apps exceeding the defined resource limits may experience performance issues or even face termination. New diagnostic tools are also being provided in the Play Console to assist developers. These include enhanced memory details within Android Vitals, filters for "Out of Memory" crashes, information on DEX code optimization, and alerts when limits are exceeded.

**Stricter Enforcement from February 2027**
These new rules will be enforced starting February 2027. Apps and games that fail to meet the specified requirements may face reduced visibility and restricted publishing features on Google Play. Google has stated that further details regarding these rules will be shared later this year. Additionally, the company has introduced a "zero-tap sign-in" standard. Under this, apps that offer user sign-in functionality will be required to automatically restore the user's sign-in status when moving to a new Android device.


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