Google will start flagging Android apps in the Play Store that excessively drain battery life due to high background activity. Developers have until March 1, 2026, to update their apps to meet new guidelines aimed at reducing unnecessary battery use.

Google has lost its appeal in a significant antitrust case regarding its Play Store practices, following a jury's finding that the company abused its market position to suppress competition. The ruling mandates extensive changes to the Play Store, including allowing third-party payments and app stores, which could reshape the Android app ecosystem. Epic Games, the primary challenger, is poised to benefit from these changes as it prepares to launch its own app store on Google's platform.