Google forces Android apps to use memory more wisely as RAMpocalypse rages

Google has announced that Android apps available through Google Play must adhere to new memory performance standards starting in early 2027. The company is targeting inefficient code that wastes RAM, a scarce resource, as prices rise and consumers opt for phones with less memory. The looming "RAMpocalypse" threatens device performance and stability, with runaway memory leaks causing apps to crash and others to be terminated.

To address this, Google has set strict memory limits and tightened Play's quality requirements. The first phase, taking effect in February 2027, focuses on memory usage (Anonymous Resident Set Size + Swap), bitmap memory, and DEX code optimization. In April 2027, the second phase will require zero-tap sign-in for device migration, improving security and user experience.

Specific memory caps vary by device, with 8 GB and 16 GB devices facing different constraints. Games have unique limits, and the new rules aim to prevent one poorly optimized app from destabilizing the entire system.