At I/O 2025, Google gave Android developers plenty to work with, both literally and figuratively. From AI-assisted coding and smarter design systems to expanded support for wearables, TVs, and XR, the updates are aimed at making app creation more efficient and more adaptable across platforms.
Smarter Apps with Built-In AI
Developers now have direct access to Gemini Nano through the new ML Kit GenAI APIs, with features like text summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image descriptions running on-device. For more demanding tasks, Firebase AI Logic supports heavier models like Gemini Pro and Gemini Flash, covering everything from image generation to multimodal data processing.
Google’s sample app, Androidify, puts these tools on display, turning selfies into custom Android robots. It’s part of a broader push to bring personalization into everyday app experiences.
One App to Reach Phones, XR, Cars, and More
Google continues nudging developers toward a “build once, run anywhere” mindset. With updated Compose Layouts and navigation tools, devs can more easily design apps that scale across phones, tablets, foldables, ChromeOS, and now cars and XR.
Android XR is moving forward with Developer Preview 2 of its SDK. Google confirmed support for Samsung’s Project Moohan and introduced a new portable XR headset from XREAL called Project Aura. Google wants apps that aren’t just XR-compatible but XR-aware, playing nice with 3D content, new inputs, and AI assistance.
Meanwhile, Android Auto and Android Automotive OS are getting wider app category support, Gemini integrations, and better testing tools. Think video, games, and communication, all of which are accessible from the dashboard.
Wear OS 6 and Material 3 Go All-In on Expression
Wear OS 6 brings Material 3 Expressive to the wrist. The new design approach is built around emotion and clarity, giving developers the tools to build interfaces that feel more personalized. Updates to Jetpack libraries such as Wear Compose Material 3 and ProtoLayout make it easier to support this expressive new look across apps and tiles.
Android Studio Gets a Gemini Brain Boost
Gemini is now fully embedded in Android Studio. The AI assistant can turn design mockups into Compose code, help upgrade app versions, and guide developers through common build tasks. New features like Journeys and the Version Upgrade Agent are designed to speed up the process without cutting corners.
Kotlin Multiplatform also gets a lift, with new templates and updates to Jetpack libraries. Developers looking to build across Android and iOS now have fewer roadblocks and better starting points.
Updates to Google Play and Android 16
Google Play is rolling out new discovery features, subscription options, and content personalization updates designed to help developers grow and retain their audiences. Play Games Services is moving from v1 to v2, bringing better cross-device support and improved integration tools.
Android 16 is in public beta, with features like live updates, pro-level camera tools, desktop windowing support, and accessibility upgrades. Developers are encouraged to test their apps against the latest build to stay compatible.
More details and developer sessions are available now at io.google, with updates continuing throughout the event.
