Google intends to limit the RAM usage of Android apps and games so that smartphone performance is preserved amid a global shortage of memory chips. This decision comes as increased demand for High-Bandwidth Memory or HBM chips used in AI infrastructure has affected production of the ordinary memories used in phones.
According to Etna quoting Phonearena, companies like Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have allocated more of their production capacity to HBM chips because those products have higher profit margins. As a result, mobile memory prices have also risen sharply. For example, the wholesale price of a 12 GB LPDDR5X module that was about $40 to $50 last year reached about $145.90 in Q2 2026.
To counter the effects of this situation, Google has set new rules for Android developers. From February 2027, apps and games must stay within specified ranges of system memory usage. Apps that do not comply with these limits may face penalties like other noncompliant apps, including lower ranking in search results, suspension, or even permanent removal from Google Play.
This limitation does not only concern RAM and also includes Bitmap Memory usage for images, graphics, textures and UI elements. Google specifically cites very high-quality images and unoptimized textures as causes of sharp spikes in memory usage. Developers must optimize memory usage related to background code, images and graphics, and executable code.
Android 17 also includes the Android Memory Limiter feature to prevent apps from using excessive memory. This system manages the amount of allocated memory based on the app’s state and whether it is in the foreground or background, and will prevent important system processes from being killed.
Google has also introduced Zero Tap Sign-In, which makes transferring app sign-in information to a new Android phone easier. From April 2027, apps must comply with this capability to maintain proper presence on Google Play; however, games are not yet subject to this requirement.