- Google sets performance thresholds for the use of dynamic memory, bitmaps, and DEX code in all Play Store apps.
- Developers have until February 2027 to adapt their apps; failure to comply may reduce their visibility or even their publication.
- The shortage of RAM chips, driven by AI demand, is the main reason for this measure.
- In addition, automatic login (Zero Tap Sign-In) will be required in April 2027 to facilitate migration between devices.
The global shortage of RAM chips, exacerbated by demand from AI data centers, has prompted Google to take drastic measures. The company has announced new mandatory requirements for all Android apps, aiming to reduce memory consumption and ensure stable performance on resource-constrained devices. Developers will have to adapt their apps by February 2027 to avoid penalties on Google Play.
This decision reflects a market reality: mobile phone manufacturers are reducing the amount of RAM in their new models, or keeping it the same, due to the rising cost of components. The memory crisis particularly affects low-end devices , which are the most vulnerable to sudden app crashes on Android . In Spain, where Android has a market share of around 67%, many users employ devices with 4 GB of RAM, so this policy will have a direct impact on the daily user experience.
New performance thresholds
Google Play has established three areas of control: dynamic memory usage, bitmap management, and DEX code optimization. Apps must meet specific limits in each of these areas , which vary depending on the device's performance category and the app's state (foreground or background). The exact numerical thresholds are published on the Play Console help page and are based on the device's total memory, ranging from 4 GB to over 16 GB.
Regarding bitmaps, special attention will be paid to ensuring that images are not retained in memory when the app runs in the background or is cached. This is one of the main causes of silent RAM consumption on Android. Furthermore, DEX code will be required to achieve at least 25% combined coverage for optimization, shrinkage, and obfuscation, which helps reduce size and resource consumption. Games will have somewhat more flexible limits, as they naturally require more memory, but they too must comply with the requirements.
The impact of the RAM shortage
The demand for high-speed memory (HBM) for training AI models has diverted production from semiconductor factories, which previously supplied mobile phone manufacturers. Companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron account for approximately 75% of global RAM production and have prioritized server chips, leaving less supply for the consumer market. According to Samsung, the shortage will continue until at least 2028, and the company's mobile division has already reported losses due to increased costs.
This situation has led to new-generation smartphones arriving with the same amount of memory, or even less, than their predecessors. Goldman Sachs analysts predict a DRAM deficit of 5% in 2026 and 5,9% in 2027 , the worst since 2017. In this context, Google has decided to focus on software improvements to make apps more efficient, rather than waiting for hardware upgrades.
Developer Tools
To help developers comply with the new requirements, Google has launched a series of tools in the Play Console. These include detailed metrics on memory usage and proactive alerts when an app exceeds established thresholds. In addition, the company has announced that it will release a "Memory Limiter" by the end of 2026, a system that will prevent apps from consuming more memory than allocated. This limiter will serve as an additional diagnostic tool, but will also act as an active control on compatible devices.
Developers can also use local diagnostic tools, such as Android Profiler, to measure RAM usage in real time. Code optimization is key to reducing memory footprint without sacrificing functionality. It's recommended to release bitmaps when the app goes into the background and to enable code obfuscation with R8 or ProGuard. Google has promised more diagnostic tools over the next year, including more detailed data on memory usage per component.
Deadlines and consequences
Google will begin enforcing new memory limits in February 2027. Apps that fail to comply could see their visibility on Google Play reduced and even lose the ability to publish updates. The company has warned that non-compliance will result in "slowdowns and potential termination." Furthermore, developers who do not comply could experience reduced publishing capacity, though Google has not yet detailed the exact penalties; it is expected to provide more information before the end of 2026.
In parallel, the Zero Tap Sign-In requirement will come into effect in April 2027, mandating that apps with logins automatically restore the user's session when switching devices. This standard uses the Android Credential Restoration API and aims to facilitate seamless migration between mobile devices. Games will have an additional deadline, set for later in 2027, according to official sources.
Tips for developers
To prepare, developers should start auditing their apps' memory usage now. It's recommended to begin with background bitmaps , which typically return between 30 and 80 MB of RAM without impacting user experience. It's also important to enable DEX code optimization and review ProGuard rules to avoid excluding unnecessary classes. 25% coverage is achievable with R8's default configuration, but if using custom rules, they should be reviewed.
Regarding login, it's crucial to design the flow assuming users will switch mobile devices. Session restoration via Credential Manager is the recommended solution for seamless Zero Tap Sign-In compliance. If your app relies on a verification email or SMS code each time, you'll lose users during the transition. Investing in session restoration today will ensure you're ready for the deadline.
In short, Google has put forward a clear policy to protect the Android experience in a context of memory scarcity. Developers have a few months to adapt their applications and avoid penalties. The RAM crisis won't be resolved in the short term, so software optimization will become increasingly important. With these measures, Google aims to ensure that apps run smoothly even on the most modest devices, and that users don't experience slowdowns or unexpected crashes. The ball is now in the developers' court, and they will have to work against the clock to comply with the new standards.