Google Play is preparing new requirements that will push Android developers to reduce app memory usage and streamline logins when users switch devices, with the rules taking effect in 2027.
The move responds to what Google describes as significant hardware supply constraints that are altering device memory availability. To address the issue, the company is working to lower how much memory Android apps consume across the ecosystem.
Per-App Memory Limits and New Performance Thresholds
On Android 17, Google is introducing per-app memory limits. These caps arrive first on Pixel devices and are expected to be adopted by an increasing number of manufacturers. Apps that exceed the limits will be slowed down and may be terminated.
Google Play is also setting performance thresholds across three areas. The first, dynamic memory usage, tracks anonymous RSS plus swap, covering a private app’s data storage in both active and compressed forms. It excludes files stored on the device, such as code or assets, and is assessed across different app states and device performance categories.
The second area, bitmap memory usage, evaluates memory consumed by bitmaps. While bitmaps use memory when an app is in the foreground, they should not be held for extended periods in non-visible states such as background and cached.
The third area covers optimized DEX code. Google says a well-optimized Android App Bundle uses less memory, starts faster, reduces ANRs, and improves rendering and runtime performance. Apps published on Google Play must be optimized with a minimum of 25% coverage across optimization, shrinking, and obfuscation, using a tool such as R8 or another shrinking tool.
Memory Enforcement Begins in February 2027
Memory enforcement starts in February 2027. Google plans to provide several Play Console tools and metrics to help developers measure and meet the standards. Apps and games that fail to meet the thresholds will see reduced visibility and publishing capabilities on Google Play, with additional details expected later in 2026.
Zero-Tap Sign-In Required From April 2027
Google also announced a requirement for developers to make logins faster and safer during device transfers. This will rely on a Zero-Tap Sign-In standard that requires apps to automatically restore a user’s sign-in state when moving from one Android device to another through the Android Restore Credentials API.
The API ensures that when a user opens an app on a new Android device for the first time, they are instantly recognized and securely signed in without additional taps. This requirement takes effect on Google Play starting in April 2027. Games are currently exempt, with more plans coming next year.
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Image: 9to5google.com
