Google Imposes New Android Memory Caps Amid Chip Shortages
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The tech giant is requiring developers to optimize code as AI-driven hardware constraints threaten device performance.
Google is introducing new app quality requirements for Android developers to combat industrywide memory chip shortages, TechCrunch reports. The company stated that the AI data center boom has created "significant hardware supply constraints" that are limiting the availability of device memory, which could negatively impact the consumer experience.
To mitigate these hardware limitations, Google is establishing new performance thresholds targeting bitmap usage and dynamic memory usage. The company is also implementing code optimization requirements to reduce app crashes and slowdowns. To support these changes, Google is releasing tools to alert developers when apps exceed these thresholds, with a "Memory Limiter" feature and further diagnostic tools expected later this year.
According to TechCrunch, Google noted these measures are intended to maintain quality for users in a market where memory is less available, specifically for low-end devices where price is a factor. Developers have until February 2027 to comply with these new thresholds.
Additionally, Google announced a Zero Tap Sign-In requirement for all Play Store apps by April 2027. This mandate requires apps to use the Android Restore Credentials API to automatically restore user sign-in states during device migrations.