Google will start enforcing strict memory limits on Android apps from February 2027.

Under the new rules, a foreground app on an 8GB phone will be capped at 2.25GB of RAM. Background apps will face tighter limits still.

Google blames the AI boom for a global RAM shortage. Memory-hungry AI features have pushed up demand for chips, and the company says apps must use memory more carefully.

Developers will get tools to measure their apps' footprint. Apps that exceed the caps could face restrictions or removal from the Play Store.

The move has split opinion among developers. Some say leaner apps will run better on cheap phones. Others warn that complex apps, especially games, will struggle.

The policy applies to new and updated apps first. Google says it will phase enforcement in gradually to give developers time to adapt.

Google says the caps will first apply to apps targeting the newest Android version, with older apps given a longer transition. Developers can use new profiling tools to measure their footprint.

Sources: mobilesyrup.com, lapaasvoice.com, zot.news.