Google is addressing excessive battery usage in Android apps by implementing stricter guidelines on wake locks starting 2023-03-01. This change aims to reduce battery drain when apps run background processes without allowing devices to sleep.
New Developer Rules
- Google introduced a metric for developers to monitor wake locks.
- Excessive usage: Over two hours of wake locks in 24 hours.
- Exemptions: Audio playback and user-initiated transfers.
Developers must address these issues to avoid penalties, including warnings and reduced visibility on the Play Store.
Implications for Apps
Non-compliance will trigger a Play Store warning: "This app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity." Offending apps might also lose eligibility for certain discovery sections, impacting their visibility and download potential.
The change encourages developers to optimize background activity, ensuring better battery performance for users across Android devices.
