Google just dropped a ton of updates for those who want to make apps for Android and the Play Store

What’s new with Google’s AI tools for developers

For the coders, Android Studio is getting much smarter. New “Agentic capabilities” mean you can have the AI do complex tasks for you, like upgrading your project’s APIs. You’ll also be able to bring your own large language model (LLM) to power the AI inside the studio. And for in-app features, Google is opening up the on-device Gemini Nano model through a new Prompt API, letting developers build AI features that run locally.

Why this is a big deal for app development

This isn’t just Google tinkering; it’s a direct shot in the AI arms race, especially against Apple. Apple seems focused on how it will use AI, whereas Google is handing developers the raw tools. Google is giving developers direct access to on-device AI with the Prompt API and cloud models like Nano Banana and Imagen through Firebase.

This is a smart approach as it lowers the barrier to entry for smaller devs (free translations, easier-to-read stats) while simultaneously handing high-end tools to advanced teams (on-device Nano, agent-based coding). It makes the entire Android ecosystem more competitive, not just the operating system itself.

Google wants more developers to take advantage of these tools

Full disclosure: I’m not a developer myself. I’m not the one who’s going to be plugging into the new Prompt API or using Agent Mode to upgrade APIs. But even from the outside, I can absolutely see how beneficial this entire suite of tools is.

Take the new Gemini-powered chart summaries. You don’t need to be a coder to understand the value of an AI just telling you why your app’s metrics are changing. That saves time and headaches for everyone, from a solo dev to a large studio. The same goes for the free, high-quality app translations; that’s a direct line to a global audience without the associated cost.

It’s no secret that Android needs a vibrant, growing developer community to thrive. These moves feel like Google is doing everything it can to roll out the red carpet. By making these powerful AI tools so easy to access and use, they’re not just helping their current developers—they’re building an incentive for new ones to join. This might be the best way Google can accomplish that goal, making Android the place to be for building what’s next.