Google Will Require Android Developers to Cut Memory Use Starting in 2027

Google announced on August 28, 2026, that Android apps on Google Play will soon face stricter performance and sign-in rules. The first requirement takes effect in February 2027, and developers will need to meet it by 2027 or risk losing some publishing capabilities in the store.

The company said it will set thresholds in three areas: dynamic memory usage, bitmap memory usage, and DEX code optimization. Google also said that at least 25% of files must be processed with compression, optimization, and obfuscation tools such as R8.

Apps that miss any of the thresholds may be demoted in Google Play search and face publication restrictions. Google described the move as a response to "significant hardware supply constraints that are altering device memory availability" and said the goal is to tighten app quality standards.

The company also plans new diagnostics in Play Console, including memory monitoring, crash report filters, and DEX optimization analysis in Android vitals. Google will additionally publish documentation for Memory Limiter, an Android feature that prevents individual apps from monopolizing device RAM.

The second requirement is Zero-Tap Sign-In. It will apply to all apps with user authentication, but games are currently exempt. From April 2027, apps will have to automatically restore sign-in status when users move to a new Android phone.

How strict do you think Google should be when it comes to penalizing apps that fail these new rules?