Google imposes new memory and sign-in standards for Android apps

Google disclosed two additional quality mandates for Android applications as the industry grapples with limited memory chip supplies caused by the AI data-center surge. One requirement targets reduced memory consumption, setting specific caps on dynamic memory and bitmap usage, while the other introduces code-optimization criteria to prevent performance-related slowdowns and crashes. To help developers meet these standards, Google is rolling out tools that flag apps exceeding the limits and plans to add a Memory Limiter feature offering more detailed diagnostics.

The new rules apply to all apps on the Play Store, which must also implement Zero Tap Sign-In to automatically restore user credentials during device migrations by April 2027. Developers are given until February 2027 to comply with the memory thresholds, as outlined on the Android Developer site.