Developers are now able to use Apple’s Swift programming language to make Android apps and share code with iOS apps. That’s possible after the independent Android Workgroup has announced the launch of the Swift SDK for Android.
Apple’s Swift language can be used to build Android apps
The newly released SDK allows developers to build Android apps in Swift with officially supported tools rather than workarounds. The announcement comes months after the Android Workgroup was formed within the Swift open-source project, further extending its compatibility.
With the SDK, developers can begin developing Android applications in Swift, opening new avenues for cross-platform development and accelerating innovation across the mobile ecosystem.
Joannis Orlandos, Chair of the Android Workgroup, October 2025
Alongside the launch, the group has released a starter guide that can help developers set up their first native Swift code on Android. Aside from it, the group has also shared multiple example projects on GitHub and support materials for developers who want to integrate Swift code into their existing Android projects.
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What does this mean for the users?
The Android Workgroup has shared Swift for Android examples on GitHub. | Image credit – Swift.org
While very few users care about the language used to build their apps, the new Swift SDK could make multiplatform app development a little easier. That’s unlikely to affect apps that already have iOS and Android versions, but it could make the development of new ports slightly more feasible.
Considering how many apps are only available on iOS, Android users could reap the biggest benefits. However, it’s early days for these tools, and they’re far from making porting an iOS app to Android a simple process. The Android Workgroup would need to put in a lot of effort for that to happen.
Is multiplatform availability important when you choose what apps to use?
No
11.76%
Only for some apps
29.41%
Yes, but only between desktop and mobile
11.76%
Yes, I use multiple platforms all the time
47.06%
Right now, the most popular technology for fully multiplatform mobile app development is Kotlin Multiplatform. Even with it, developers need to use platform-specific tools to build their apps, but they can still use a lot of the code written in Kotlin across platforms.
Baby steps, but still good news
I wouldn’t get overly excited about the Swift SDK for Android, but it could still be the beginning of something impactful. I’ve used many simple iOS apps, made by a single developer or a small team, which don’t have Android versions. If porting an iOS app to Android becomes much easier, I can only imagine that more developers would put in the effort, which would benefit everyone.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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