Google will implement new memory management policies for Android applications starting in February 2027, which will enforce specific memory limits based on device RAM. The defined limits are:
- For 4GB devices: 2GB in the foreground, 1GB for user-perceived services, 1GB in the background.
- For 6GB devices: 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.25GB for user-perceived services, 1.25GB in the background.
- For 8GB devices: 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.5GB for user-perceived services, 1.5GB in the background.
- For 12GB devices: 3.25GB in the foreground, 1.75GB for user-perceived services, 1.75GB in the background.
- For 16GB devices: 4.25GB in the foreground, 2GB for user-perceived services, 2GB in the background.
Devices with more than 16GB of RAM will be largely exempt from these restrictions. The changes are motivated by RAM shortages and the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on memory availability, aiming to maintain device performance and user experience. Apps exceeding these memory limits may face reduced functionality or removal from the Google Play Store.