RAM is at a premium these days, but apps eat it up. Now, Google is taking action to curb memory usage.
Tightening the reins on RAM usage
The Google Play Store just introduced requirements for app developers. Much like how Android 17 employs app memory limits based on the RAM the latest Pixels have, a trio of requirements will make the most of precious RAM.
“The mobile industry is navigating significant hardware supply constraints that are altering device memory availability that over time can negatively impact the user experience,” said a post on the Android Developers Blog. “Android is addressing this challenge head-on with broader memory limits that aim to protect the overall user experience from apps using excess memory and causing system-wide slowdowns.”
Changes to come early next year
As of February 2027, Android apps will have to meet “bad behavior thresholds” that include new thresholds across dynamic memory usage, bitmap usage, and code optimization to prevent unexpected on-device performance throttling and app terminations.
Apps that don’t comply with these limits won’t be banned from the Play Store, but they will face “reduced app visibility and publishing capabilities.” Google said that there will be more details later in the year and that the thresholds will adapt over time, along with changes to both Android and to devices.
Smoother device upgrades ahead
This wasn’t the only announcement Google had for developers that will also ultimately make things easier for you.
To make it easier to switch devices, Android apps will have to support Zero-Tap Sign-In by April 2027. That means that when you switch to a new device, you should still be signed in to any apps that you were before you moved over.
