Google is set to introduce a new alert system on Google Play, warning Android users about apps with high battery consumption. The update aims to track how apps utilize system resources and flags those preventing device rest states.
Background Activity Metrics
The centerpiece of this update is the "excessive partial wake locks" metric. It measures the duration an app keeps the CPU active. If an app holds non-exempt wake locks for over two hours within a day and this behavior occurs in at least 5% of sessions over a month, it will be marked as excessive.
- Launch Date: Warnings on Google Play will begin on 2026-03-01.
- Visibility Impact: Apps identified will face reduced recommendations and trend visibility.
- Collaboration: Developed with Samsung using data from Galaxy and Pixel devices.
User and Developer Impact
For users, this initiative seeks to cut down on unnecessary battery drain overnight and offers control to limit app activities or uninstall them. Developers are urged to enhance power efficiency as non-compliant apps may see diminished visibility in the store.
Google emphasizes the need for balancing legitimate tasks, like message syncing, with efficient background usage. This change reflects an effort to enhance user device longevity and optimize app discoverability.
