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
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.
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.
