As smartphone features become increasingly powerful, apps’ demands on system resources continue to rise, with memory (RAM) usage drawing particular attention. Under limited hardware resources, if a single app consumes excessive memory, it not only affects its own operational efficiency but can also slow down the entire device’s performance, thereby degrading the user experience. To address this issue, Google is actively promoting new management measures aimed at more effectively controlling memory usage across Android apps.
Google Play Store is forcing apps to stop taking up phone storage.
Recently, the Google Play app store announced a series of new regulations for developers aimed at improving app resource efficiency, a move that echoes the development direction of Android 17. Android 17 has already begun restricting the memory available to apps based on the actual memory configurations of next-generation Pixel devices, preventing individual apps from excessively consuming system resources. The three new requirements introduced this time further aim to make device memory usage more rational and efficient.
Google is in Android Developers BlogIt is pointed out that the mobile device industry is currently facing challenges in hardware supply, which may affect the memory configuration and available space of future devices. If applications continue to increase resource demands without limit, over time this could cause devices to run slower, reduce system stability, and even impact the overall user experience. Therefore, Android is responding to this challenge by adjusting its memory management strategies, aiming to preserve the integrity of application functionality while maintaining system smoothness and stability.
According to the plan, starting from February 2027, all Android apps listed on Google Play must comply with the new “bad behavior threshold” standards. The evaluation metrics cover multiple dimensions, including dynamic memory usage, bitmap resource consumption, and code optimization level. Google hopes that by establishing clear standards, it can reduce situations where apps cause performance degradation, trigger system restrictions, or even get force-stopped due to excessive resource consumption.
Notably, if developers fail to meet the relevant standards, Google will not immediately remove their apps from the Play Store. However, these apps may face impacts such as reduced visibility or restricted publishing permissions. In other words, while downloads may still be available, they could be subject to certain limitations in search rankings, recommendation opportunities, or subsequent update releases. Google also stated that further details regarding the specifics of these requirements and the actual enforcement methods are expected to be announced later this year, and these standards will continue to be adjusted and updated in the future in line with developments in the Android platform and hardware devices.
In addition to memory management-related policies, Google also announced another new requirement closely tied to user experience. To help users transition more smoothly to a new device, Google requires Android apps to support the “Zero-Click Sign-In” mechanism by no later than April 2027. Going forward, when users switch to a new device, the system will automatically carry over their existing sign-in state, eliminating the need to re-enter account credentials or go through cumbersome verification steps.
This feature not only saves users time when setting up a new phone, but also helps reduce usage barriers caused by forgotten account passwords. For consumers who frequently switch devices or use multiple devices at the same time, the login experience will become more seamless and convenient. By improving resource management efficiency and simplifying the account migration process, Google is clearly trying to strike a better balance between system performance and ease of use, further improving the overall experience of the Android ecosystem.
Source: KOCPC Chinese