Android Go
Android (Go edition), commonly known as Android Go, is a lightweight variant of the Android operating system optimized for entry-level smartphones equipped with less than 2 GB of RAM.[1] Introduced as part of Google's initiative to make high-quality mobile experiences accessible to billions of users worldwide, particularly in emerging markets, it prioritizes performance efficiency, data conservation, and storage management on resource-constrained devices.[2] By running lighter and faster than standard Android versions, Android Go enables smoother app launches—up to 30% quicker—and frees up to 270 MB more memory for multitasking, alongside providing up to 900 MB of additional storage space.[1] Launched with Android 8.1 Oreo in December 2017, Android Go was specifically tailored for devices with 1 GB of RAM or less at the time, addressing the needs of over 80% of entry-level Android phones that dominate global markets.[2] Subsequent releases, such as Android 9 Pie (Go edition) and beyond, have evolved alongside mainline Android versions, incorporating optimizations like reduced app sizes and memory-efficient APIs to support developers in building for billions of users.[3] As of 2025, Android Go powers more than 16,000 device models across over 180 countries, supporting over 2 million apps from the Google Play Store while integrating built-in tools like Files by Google for storage management, Digital Wellbeing for usage insights, and Google Play Protect for security.[1] Key features emphasize accessibility and efficiency, including lite versions of core Google apps—such as Google Go, Assistant Go, and Gallery Go—which consume less data and storage while delivering essential functionalities like text-to-speech via Google Lens.[1] For developers, guidelines focus on app memory optimization, size reduction, and hardware-aware targeting (e.g., using theFEATURE_RAM_LOW constant) to ensure compatibility and enhanced visibility on Google Play for low-RAM devices.[3] This approach not only lowers barriers to smartphone adoption but also promotes affordability and inclusivity, aligning with Google's vision that "everyone should have access to amazing smartphone experiences."[1]