Developers can now use Apple’s Swift programming language to create Android apps and share code with iOS apps. This will be possible once the independent Android working group has announcement the launch of the Swift SDK for Android.
Apple’s Swift language can be used to create Android apps
The recently released SDK allows developers to build Android apps in Swift with officially supported tools rather than workarounds. The announcement comes months after the Android working group was created within the Swift open source project, further expanding its compatibility.
With the SDK, developers can start developing Android apps in Swift, opening new avenues for cross-platform development and accelerating innovation in the mobile ecosystem.
Joannis Orlandos, Chair of the Android Working Group, October 2025
What does this mean for users?
The Android Workgroup has shared Swift samples for Android on GitHub. | Image credit – Swift.org
Although very few users care about the language used to build their apps, the new Swift SDK could make cross-platform app development a little easier. This is unlikely to affect apps that already have iOS and Android versions, but it could make developing new ports slightly more feasible.
Considering how many apps are available only on iOS, Android users could see the biggest benefits. However, these tools are only just beginning and they are far from simplifying the porting of an iOS application to Android. The Android Working Group would have to put a lot of effort into making this happen.
Small steps, but always good news
I wouldn’t be too excited about the Swift SDK for Android, but it could still be the start of something big. I’ve used many simple iOS apps, created by a single developer or a small team, that don’t have an Android version. If porting an iOS app to Android becomes much easier, I can only imagine more developers would put in the effort, which would benefit everyone.
