Google (see details) to Enforce Memory Limits on Android Apps from February 2027
Google will enforce new memory limits on Android apps starting February 2027, citing a global shortage of RAM primarily due to the AI data center boom. Apps exceeding these limits face potential slowdown, termination, or burial in the Play Store. A second deadline follows in April.
The Rationale
According to Google’s documentation published on its Android Developers Blog (as reported by TechCrunch), the mobile industry is facing significant hardware supply constraints that are reducing device memory availability. They state bluntly, "An ecosystem-wide memory crisis is imminent due to rising RAM costs."
Memory Limits and Optimization Requirements
The memory thresholds vary based on device specifications:
- On devices with 8GB of RAM, apps can use up to 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.5GB for user-perceived services, and 1.5GB in the background.
- Devices with more than 16GB RAM are mostly exempt.
Google also focuses on bitmap memory, providing each app with a maximum of 200MB for user-perceived services and 400MB cached, regardless of device RAM.
Additionally, DEX code optimization is required to ensure efficient memory use, faster app launches, and better runtime performance.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Apps that violate these limits will be subject to:
- Slowdown or termination by the Android system.
- Reduced visibility and publishing capabilities on Google Play Store.
Impact on Developers and Consumers
Reduced visibility on the Play Store significantly affects developers’ revenue as app installs are directly linked to search rankings. The impact extends to consumers, who may experience higher device prices due to increasing RAM costs, as evidenced by recent price hikes on Amazon’s Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV devices, as well as Xiaomi’s declining profit margins.
The Future of Memory in Smartphones
The AI data center boom is primarily responsible for the memory shortage, with server prices rising due to increased demand for AI-related hardware. This trend suggests a challenging future for smartphone RAM availability and affordability.