Google has introduced a new policy to tackle battery drain by apps on its platforms, effective 2026. This change will impact both Android phones and wearables, aiming to improve user experience by holding developers to higher standards.
Battery Usage Guidelines
The updated guidelines, effective from 2026-03-01, target apps that excessively use wake locks, which can keep devices awake and lead to fast battery consumption. Any app keeping a device active for over two hours in a day without a valid reason risks penalties on the Google Play Store. On wearables, apps must not drain over 4.44% of battery per hour during active sessions.
- Implementation Date: 2026-03-01
- Scope: Android phones and wearables
- Measurement: More than two hours device activity per day
- Wearable Limit: 4.44% battery drain per hour
Implications for Developers
The adjustments align battery efficiency with existing technical quality metrics like crash rates and responsiveness. Apps may suffer reduced visibility in Play Store recommendations and receive warning labels if they do not comply. Google, in collaboration with Samsung, encourages developers to create energy-efficient apps and clearly communicate their battery usage to users.
Google's battery policy marks a significant shift in app quality standards, ensuring that battery usage is as crucial as other technical metrics.
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