Google Play Android App Memory Limits Begin in February 2027

Google plans to enforce new Google Play performance thresholds for Android apps and games beginning in February 2027. Apps that do not meet the requirements may face reduced visibility and restricted publishing capabilities on Google Play, rather than an outright ban.

The policy covers memory use and DEX code optimization. Google will assess app performance using the 90th percentile of data gathered across a 28-day period.

New Android App Performance Thresholds

Google’s policy identifies three categories of behavior that can trigger concerns:

• Dynamic memory usage, including anonymous RSS and swap
• Bitmap memory usage
• DEX code optimization

The company described the thresholds as part of a broader effort to address changing device memory availability and reduce the impact of apps that consume excess memory and contribute to system-wide slowdowns.

The thresholds may change over time as conditions evolve.

Memory Limits for Android Games

The new requirements include foreground memory limits for games that vary by device RAM capacity. On devices with 4GB of RAM, the foreground limit is 2.25GB. On devices with 16GB of RAM, the limit reaches 5GB.

Google will also treat certain bitmap memory levels as bad behavior:

Games with more than 50MB of DEX code must also reach at least 25% coverage across obfuscation, optimization, and shrinking in their App Bundles.

What Happens When an App Misses the Thresholds?

Google says apps that fail to comply with the performance thresholds will not automatically be removed from the Play Store. However, the company may reduce an app’s visibility and limit its publishing capabilities on Google Play.

Further details about how enforcement will work are expected later in 2026.

New Play Console Tools for Developers

Google is introducing Play Console tools intended to help developers prepare before the February 2027 deadline. These tools will help developers:

• Monitor memory use
• Identify memory-related crashes
• Review code compliance

The tools are meant to give developers a clearer view of app behavior as Google begins applying the new standards.

Zero-Tap Sign-In Requirement Arrives in April 2027

Google has separately announced a device-migration requirement for April 2027. By then, apps must support Zero-Tap Sign-In through the Android Restore Credentials API.

The feature is intended to automatically restore a user’s signed-in state when they switch devices. Games are currently exempt from this requirement.

Android Memory Limits and Device Availability

The Play Store policy follows the introduction of per-app memory limits in Android 17. Those limits were initially available on Pixel devices and are expanding to additional manufacturers.

Google’s update comes during ongoing pressure on consumer-device memory availability. Memory chip production is shifting toward AI data centers, while RAM supply remains constrained and consumer-device prices remain elevated. The Pixel 11 Pro series reportedly includes 12GB of RAM, compared with 16GB in its predecessor.