app performance Archives

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Google’s AI Android Updates Spark Phone App Glitches on Pixel Devices

The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Google’s Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 includes a long-needed app transparency feature

Google’s Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a new blue block indicator to alert users when apps access their location, in addition to existing notifications for camera and microphone usage. Users can tap the indicator for a detailed overview of app permissions and take actions such as closing apps or adjusting settings. The beta version is available for testing on Google Pixel 6 devices and later, running the stable December 2025 update, and users can enroll in the Android Beta program to receive it.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Android will finally show you which app is draining your battery

Google has introduced a new system-level metric called “excessive partial wake locks” to identify apps that prevent Android phones from entering sleep mode, which leads to unnecessary battery drain. This metric, co-developed with Samsung, will be integrated into Android's core vitals metrics to help measure app performance and efficiency. Starting March 1, 2026, apps that keep devices awake for more than two hours unnecessarily will face penalties, including reduced visibility in Play Store recommendations and potential user warnings. This initiative aims to improve transparency for users and encourage developers to optimize their apps.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Bad battery life? Google will name-and-shame Android apps that drain your phone faster than expected

Google is overhauling the Google Play Store to address Android apps that excessively drain device batteries. New regulations require developers to minimize unnecessary background activities and adhere to stricter guidelines on how often their apps can wake devices or access system resources. Non-compliant apps will receive warnings on their Play Store listings, and their visibility may be reduced. A new measurement system, developed with Samsung, tracks "excessive partial wake locks," which monitor how long apps keep devices awake while the screen is off. If an app exceeds a threshold of 5% of total user sessions with excessive wake locks over a 28-day period, it will trigger notifications on the developers' dashboard. Developers must rectify these issues by March 1, 2026, to keep their apps on the Play Store. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency regarding app resource utilization and improve battery performance across Android devices.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Android phones to warn users about apps draining battery from March 2026

Google will implement a new system on 1 March 2026 to help Android users identify apps that drain battery life. Developers will be required to label apps that consume high amounts of power due to background activity. Apps categorized as heavy battery consumers will be removed from Play Store recommendations. Certain apps, such as those for audio playback or ride-hailing, may be exempt from these restrictions. Google will set metrics to define acceptable background activity levels and limit how often apps can use "wake locks." Developers exceeding this limit will be notified and may face reduced visibility or removal from the Play Store.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Android Battery Woes Might Finally Be Over—Thanks to This Quiet Change

Google announced an updated Play Store policy on November 10 that will introduce new performance checks for developers, focusing on monitoring excessive partial wake locks. Apps that maintain screen-on time beyond two hours or exhibit excessive wake locks will lose visibility in the Play Store, being demoted in listings and labeled for excessive power consumption. This policy aims to enhance app performance and battery management on Android devices and is set to take effect on March 1, 2026, coinciding with the rollout of Android 17. Google will also provide developers with access to performance metrics to help them improve their apps. Additionally, the adaptive battery system in Android restricts power to infrequently used apps, and Android 15 introduces advanced background restrictions and a more intelligent doze mode.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google is clamping down on Android apps that cause excessive battery drain

Google has introduced a new metric for app developers to monitor battery usage, focusing on the use of "wake locks" that prevent smartphones from entering sleep mode. An app is deemed to excessively use wake locks if it accumulates more than two cumulative hours of non-exempt wake locks within a 24-hour period, with exceptions for processes that provide clear user benefits. Developers who do not address wake lock issues will receive warnings in the Play Store, indicating that "this app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity." Additionally, certain offending apps may become ineligible for specific discovery sections in the Play Store starting March 1.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google to penalize battery-draining apps in new Play Store policy

The Android Developers Blog has announced new features aimed at enhancing app development, including updates to Jetpack Compose for intuitive UI development, improved performance metrics for better app insights, and expanded libraries for increased resources. The blog also highlights the importance of community engagement, encouraging developers to share feedback and participate in webinars and Q&A sessions with the Android team.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google is cracking down on apps that secretly drain your battery

Google is introducing new app quality guidelines for Android devices to reduce excessive battery drain, effective March 1, 2026. Developers will be held accountable for apps that unnecessarily deplete battery life, particularly through mismanaged "wake locks." Apps that excessively hold wake locks will face penalties in the Play Store, including reduced visibility and warning labels for users. An app will be flagged if it keeps a device awake for over two cumulative hours in 24 hours without justification, or if it consumes more than 4.44% of battery per hour on wearables. This initiative was developed in collaboration with Samsung to improve app performance and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Google’s upcoming review search feature might soon help you save time on the Play Store

Google is testing a new feature called "Search reviews" in the Play Store, which will allow users to search for specific keywords in app reviews. This feature is designed to improve the user experience by enabling users to find feedback related to specific topics rather than scrolling through generic comments. Although it is not yet live and lacks a confirmed rollout date, it may be introduced gradually in select regions. The latest version of the Play Store (48.7.17-31) includes a string labeled "Search reviews," indicating progress towards a more user-centric approach. Additionally, a flag named AllReviewsPageenablesearchbar suggests an upgrade to the review browsing experience. Currently, users can only filter reviews by star ratings or broad categories, making it difficult to find relevant feedback. The new search function could streamline this process, saving users time and reducing frustration. However, the timeline for public availability and the extent of the search functionality remain uncertain, including whether it will support multiple languages or advanced filtering options. The interface for the feature has not yet been revealed.