Google imposes strict memory limits on Android apps

Google is enforcing new per-app memory limits on Android to address the global RAM shortage. The company published a memo detailing consequences for apps that exceed these limits, including slowdowns or termination. The restrictions will expand across devices with 4GB to 16GB+ RAM over the coming year.

The restrictions trace back to Android 17, which debuted on Pixel hardware, and the latest Pixel 11 Pro models ship with reduced base RAM compared to prior generations—an early signal of Google's efficiency push. The company frames these limits as a response to industry-wide hardware constraints stemming from the ongoing memory shortage, which has already driven up component costs and altered device specifications across manufacturers.

Enforcement begins in February 2027, giving developers roughly six months to optimize their applications. Beyond technical penalties like slowdowns and forced termination, Google warns of commercial consequences: apps failing to meet thresholds may lose visibility in the Play Store or face publishing restrictions. The company plans to release additional details later this year, leaving developers in a period of uncertainty about exact compliance requirements.