Google is tightening its requirements for Android apps as the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres contributes to pressure on the global supply of memory chips. The changes are aimed at ensuring Android apps continue to perform smoothly as manufacturers face growing constraints on the amount of memory available in some devices, particularly affordable smartphones.
The tech giant has introduced new app quality requirements focused on reducing memory usage and improving code optimization. Google said the mobile industry is experiencing significant hardware supply constraints that are changing memory availability, a development that could affect how consumers experience their smartphones.
Under the new rules, Android developers will have to meet performance thresholds covering areas such as dynamic memory and bitmap usage. Google is also introducing code optimization requirements designed to reduce problems such as app slowdowns, poor performance and crashes caused by excessive memory consumption.
To help developers adjust, Google is rolling out tools that will alert them when their apps exceed the new limits. The company also plans to introduce additional diagnostic features later this year, including deeper insights through its Memory Limiter technology, which can prevent apps from consuming an excessive amount of a device’s available memory.
Android developers have until February 2027 to meet the new memory and performance thresholds. Google is also introducing another major requirement: all apps on the Play Store with sign-in features must support automatic restoration of users’ sign-in status when they move to a new Android device by April 2027. The changes highlight how the AI boom is beginning to influence everyday smartphone technology, potentially putting greater pressure on developers to make apps lighter and more efficient.
source: techcrunch
