The RAM shortage plaguing the tech industry has now reached software. Google has announced new mandatory requirements for all Android apps , aiming to reduce memory consumption and optimize code. This measure, which will be rolled out gradually, responds to hardware supply limitations affecting mobile phone manufacturers, which have either increased the cost of RAM or reduced its capacity in devices.
The company explained that, with Android 17 rolling out to a wider ecosystem of devices, developers will need to adapt their apps to memory configurations ranging from 4GB to over 16GB. The new performance thresholds focus on dynamic memory usage, bitmaps, and DEX code optimization to prevent slowdowns and unexpected crashes.
New memory thresholds and code optimization
Google Play has established three areas of control. First, dynamic memory usage will be evaluated based on the app's state (foreground or background) and the device's performance category. Second, bitmap usage will monitor the images that apps load into memory, especially those that remain stored when the app goes into the background or is cached. Finally, DEX code optimization will require apps to achieve at least 25% combined coverage in optimization, shrinking, and obfuscation, using tools like R8.
These requirements aren't entirely new: Android 17 already introduced memory limits per app, initially on Pixel devices. Now, Google Play is making them store policy, with consequences for those who don't comply. Apps that exceed the thresholds could see their visibility in the store reduced and even have their publishing capacity limited , the company has warned.
The reason: the RAM memory crisis caused by AI
The reason for this policy is the shortage of RAM chips, caused by the high demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for artificial intelligence data centers. Manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have redirected their production toward HBM , leaving less capacity for the conventional DRAM used in mobile phones. Samsung, for example, has reported losses in its mobile division due to increased component costs, while its semiconductor division is posting record profits.
According to Goldman Sachs analysis, the DRAM market will go from oversupply to a 5% deficit in 2026 and a 5,9% deficit in 2027. This situation has led to new mobile phones arriving with the same amount of RAM or even less than the previous year , forcing Google to focus on the software side to maintain a smooth experience.
Developer tools and deadlines
To facilitate adaptation, Google has begun rolling out new tools in the Play Console. Developers will have access to detailed metrics on memory usage and proactive alerts when their apps exceed thresholds . In addition, the company will launch a Memory Limiter before the end of 2026, which will prevent apps from consuming more memory than allocated.
The deadline for meeting the memory requirements is February 2027. After that date, apps that haven't been optimized could face consequences in their visibility and publication. In parallel, Google requires all apps with login to implement the Zero Tap Sign-In standard by April 2027, which allows for automatic restoration of the user's session when switching devices.
Impact on low-end devices and users
The measure particularly affects budget phones, which typically have 4GB of RAM or less. In regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where these devices are prevalent, app optimization is crucial to prevent crashes and slowdowns. Google wants developers to be aware of these limitations and adapt their applications to provide a satisfactory experience on all types of hardware.
Developers have several months to audit their applications, free up background bitmaps, enable R8 in full mode, and design login flows that support automatic restoration. The memory crisis won't be resolved in the short term , and Google has made it clear that software must do more with less.
In short, Google Play's new policy is a direct response to the RAM shortage. Developers who adapt in time will maintain their presence in the store , while those who ignore the requirements could lose visibility and publishing capacity. The industry is moving toward a balance between the demand for AI and consumer needs, and Android has decided to do its part.
