Google is introducing a new Play Store policy to limit apps that secretly drain smartphone batteries, expanding its focus on app performance and energy efficiency. Beginning March 1, 2026, Android apps that keep devices awake for long periods without valid reason will face penalties, including reduced visibility and warning notices on their Play Store listings.
The company said the policy is part of an effort to encourage developers to design power-efficient applications and to provide users with clearer information about how apps affect battery life. “Starting March 2026, Android apps that keep devices awake for too long will face penalties and warning labels on the Play Store,” Google stated in its announcement.
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Under the new framework, apps that hold “wake locks”—a mechanism that prevents the device from entering sleep mode—for more than two hours in a 24-hour period without clear justification will be flagged for excessive battery use. These apps could appear lower in Play Store recommendations and carry a public notice warning that they may contribute to faster battery drain.
For wearable devices, Google will apply a stricter benchmark, defining inefficient apps as those consuming more than 4.44% of battery power per hour during active use. The company said it developed the new metrics in collaboration with Samsung as part of a broader effort to strengthen Android’s overall power management standards.
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The policy adds a new layer to Google’s existing quality controls, which already monitor crash rates and responsiveness. Analysts say the move reflects growing pressure on app developers to prioritize energy efficiency as users demand longer battery life from their devices.
Source: Android Developers Blog