Image: Apple
The recently released 6.3 version of Apple’s Swift programming language features the official release of the Swift SDK for Android, which means that developers can now use Swift to write Android applications.
Back in October 2025, Apple initially announced the SDK for Android and released a preview version. A Getting Started guide is available, along with examples, a project board for tracking tracking status, and a vision document.
For the general user, Apple’s support for Android may seem odd, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Many developers create their apps for iOS first, and the new SDK (Software Development Kit) makes it easier to bring their software over–most Android apps are written in Kotlin or Java. When apps are written using the same SDK, it also makes it easier for feature parity between the two platforms.
Developers who already have existing Kotlin or Java Android apps can use Swift Java and Swift Java JNI Core to integrate Swift code.
Swift is an open source programming language created by Apple for developers to create software for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. Apple offers Swift Playgrounds, and while it is targeted towards children, it’s a great way for anyone of any age to learn how to code.
Author: Roman Loyola, Senior Editor, Macworld
Roman is a Macworld Senior Editor with over 30 years of experience covering the tech industry, focusing on the Mac and other products in the Apple ecosystem. He is also the host of the Macworld Podcast. His career started at MacUser, where he received Apple certification as a repair technician (when Apple did that kind of thing). He’s also worked for MacAddict, MacLife, and TechTV.