What happened
Google has announced that it will begin policing memory-hungry Android apps, enforcing new memory-usage restrictions on the Play Store. The company published a memo on August 26, 2026, which was spotted by TechCrunch. The memo highlights the importance of meeting new memory usage limits for apps, aiming "to help developers navigate industry-wide hardware […]" (excerpt truncated).
Why it matters
This policy shift is a direct response to the RAM crisis, as hardware constraints become more pressing. Developers will need to optimize their apps to comply with the new limits, potentially affecting app performance and user experience. The enforcement could lead to stricter review processes and possible removal of non-compliant apps.