Google Updates Android App Rules as AI Memory Demand Creates Chip Shortages

Google is changing its Android app quality requirements as developers face growing pressure to reduce memory usage and improve performance amid industry-wide memory chip supply constraints linked to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.

The company announced new requirements focused on app memory efficiency and code optimisation, saying that changes in hardware availability are affecting mobile device experiences. Google said developers will need to adjust their apps to meet new performance standards related to memory usage and reliability.

In its Android developer announcement, Google said the mobile industry is experiencing significant hardware supply constraints that are changing how much memory is available on devices.

Android apps must meet new memory performance standards

The new requirements introduce thresholds covering areas such as dynamic memory usage and bitmap handling. Google said the goal is to prevent issues such as slowdowns, crashes, and poor performance caused by apps consuming excessive device resources.

To help developers prepare, Google is introducing new tools that can identify when apps exceed the updated limits. Additional diagnostic features will arrive later, including deeper insights from the Memory Limiter feature, which helps prevent apps from using too much available memory.

Google said the changes are designed to help Android developers and game creators maintain a consistent user experience, particularly on lower-cost devices where memory limitations can have a greater impact.

Developers will have until February 2027 to meet the new requirements. Google has published the updated standards through its Android developer documentation.

Google adds Zero Tap Sign-In requirement

Alongside the memory-related changes, Google is introducing a separate requirement focused on improving account migration between Android devices.

Starting in April 2027, all Play Store apps with user sign-ins will need to support Zero Tap Sign-In during device transfers. The requirement applies whether sign-in is optional or mandatory and requires apps to restore a user’s sign-in state when moving between Android devices.

The system uses the Android Restore Credentials API to help users continue using apps without having to manually sign in again after switching devices.

Google said the feature is intended to make device migration smoother while maintaining secure account access. The company has also documented the Zero Tap Sign-In restoration requirements for developers preparing their apps.

The updates reflect a broader shift in Android development as device makers and software companies adapt to changing hardware conditions. Developers will need to balance new performance requirements with the need to maintain app features across a wide range of Android devices.