app performance Archives

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.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Android 16 makes app updates nearly instantaneous with this clever change

When users update an Android app, the operating system temporarily freezes the app to maintain stability. Google has introduced a feature called seamless app updates in Android 16, which reduces the freeze duration from several seconds to milliseconds. This improvement is particularly beneficial for larger applications that require longer updates. Google adjusted the timing of dexopt and dex2oat scripts, which are part of the Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation process, to execute during an earlier phase of installation. This change allows the app to pause briefly to replace old files with optimized versions, minimizing unavailability. The enhancement coincides with the Play Store's ability to support simultaneous app updates, benefiting all Android devices.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025

Users have been asked to identify the best Android app that has integrated into their daily lives in 2025, amidst a competitive landscape with hundreds of billions of global downloads. Key characteristics of standout apps include reliability, simplicity, and the ability to fill existing gaps without unnecessary complexities. Privacy is a major concern, with users encouraged to scrutinize app permissions and seek transparency in business models. Cross-device compatibility is increasingly important, especially with the rise of tablets and foldable devices. Notable apps mentioned include: - Octopi Launcher: Favored for its widget-rich interface and tag-based search. - LocalSend: Allows direct file transfers across local networks without accounts or cloud services. - Banana Browser: Known for its minimalist design and built-in media controls. - Niagara Launcher: Celebrated for its minimalist, one-handed design. - Organic Maps: Provides efficient offline navigation using OpenStreetMap. - RethinkDNS: Blocks trackers and enforces on-device firewall rules. - Obsidian: A note-taking app known for its vault-style organization and cross-device syncing. When choosing an app, users should assess transparency in the business model, data export options, and app permissions. Performance in real-world scenarios, such as offline functionality and multitasking, is also important. Users are encouraged to share their top app recommendations to help others enhance their Android experience.