Brief Guide to Use Swift for Android App Development

Apple created the Swift programming language to simplify app development for iOS developers around the world. Over time, there was a rising demand for Android apps that embraced the merits of iOS development. On June 27, 2025, Apple announced that Swift’s capabilities would provide support for Android app development. This means that developers can convert Swift-written code into a full-blown Android app.  Not only will the app work smoothly on Android, but also on Apple devices. The Swift code will also work smoothly with Android’s inherent features.

As per Stack Overflow's survey, 51.9% of users admire Swift, and 5.4% of them use it for their projects. After Apple’s recent announcement, Swift’s perception and use for development is expected to change drastically. And guess what’s the good news? Developers do not have to painstakingly maintain separate codebases for every platform (iOS and Android). Also, there is a strong possibility that the same code could be used across multiple platforms.

Swift frameworks, tooling and libraries may support features for the Android ecosystem.. Nevertheless, the chances of Swift replacing Java or Kotlin are quite unlikely. These two programming languages have been around for many years, plus their ecosystems are way more mature.

Only time will tell how Swift will transform the Android app development landscape. We cannot deny that it can open up a world of possibilities. Apple’s new upgrade for Swift has the potential to be a game-changer for companies. Here’s the million-dollar question. Do most companies know how to use Swift for Android app development? This blog will cover the main features of Swift for Android, tools and technologies, best practices, and more. Let’s get started.

Why Choose Swift for Android App Development?

While we have yet to witness the full potential of Swift for the Android ecosystem, below are some of the noteworthy benefits.

• Single Language for Android and iOS

Earlier, developers used Swift only for iOS app development. Kotlin or Java remained the favorites for Android app development. Writing code for both platforms, maintaining and testing them, was too much work. After Apple announced Swift’s support for Android, developers have to write code once for both platforms.

• Smooth Cross-Platform Development

When Swift is used for Android app development, it reduces the effort for developers. Whether it's business logic, data handling, or code, everything remains the same for both platforms. The hard work lies in modifying the frontend to ensure an optimal visual experience for users. Since developers only have to work on the visual aspects, it eliminates most of the hard work.

• Safety and Improved Performance

Swift is renowned for delivering fast, high-performance similar to languages like C. On top of that, Swift excels in detecting common coding errors, reducing the chances of app crashes. Clean and simple code makes it easy for developers to code and maintain the app. In this way, Android apps developed using Swift deliver better performance with zero compromise on quality.

• Career and Ecosystem Opportunities

Thanks to the entry of Swift into the development world, developers have more opportunities. They are no longer confined to the world of iOS development. For companies, it is no less than a paradigm shift. Not only can they reach a wider audience, but they can also save thousands of dollars. A development team proficient in Swift can create revolutionary apps for both iOS and Android platforms.

• Simplified Multi-Platform Projects

Apple making Swift compatible with Android is good news for iOS and Android. The tools and technologies will improve for both. Building Android apps will become easier, plus there will be no need to write separate code. Who knows, there may be a possibility of shared UI frameworks in the future. Additionally, Swift will simplify the integration of mobile apps with cloud platforms. Developers need only one language for frontend and backend development.

Want to leverage Swift for Android development? Partner with a company specializing in Android app development services.

Swift for Android App Development - Key Features

Below are some of the best features of the Swift for Android app development.

• JNI (Java Native Interface) Integration - With JNI, Swift can communicate with Java-based APIs and frameworks.
• Swift Standard Library - Swift’s standard library allows developers to access the complete Swift core libraries on Android.
• C/C++ Interoperability - Swift’s libraries can seamlessly and directly communicate with C/C++ code.
• Swift Package Manager (SPM) - Handles dependency management and builds for Android projects.
• Gradle and CMake Support - Integrates effortlessly with Android Studio’s existing build systems.
• LLVM Compiler Integration - Uses the LLVM framework for optimized machine code generation on Android.
• Open Source - Fully open-source, making cross-platform compilation simple.
• Platform Abstractions - Provides POSIX and Foundation-based APIs tweaked to run on Android systems.
• Debugging and Profiling Support - LLDB-based debugging tools help identify and fix errors and analyze performance.
• Swift Concurrency - Supports asynchronous tasks/await, actors, and structured concurrency on Android devices.
• Modular Architecture - Swift allows companies to separate the app into separate, independent modules. On Android, they can accomplish this through dynamic linking.

4 Ways to Use Swift for Android App Development

Generally, companies have always used Swift for iOS app development. Thanks to recent developments, developers can use it for Android app development. Companies wanting to use Swift for Android app development can adopt different approaches. These approaches involve the use of cross-platform tools and frameworks. Below are four approaches to using Swift for Android app development.

1) Using the Skip Framework for Android App Development

• Install Skip - Use Homebrew to install the Skip toolchain. This toolchain will enable cross-platform Swift development.
• Setting up Android Environment - The next step is to install Android Studio and the Android emulator.
• Create a Skip Project - Running 'skip create' starts a new project that supports both Android and iOS. Developers can then choose between native compilation or transpilation to Kotlin.
• Shared Swift Logic - Write the main part of the app’s code in Swift. Insert the same within the Skip project setup. This ensures that both iOS and Android versions share the same code.
• Build and Run - Skip converts the Swift code, making it ready to operate on Android devices or emulators. This means developers don’t have to indulge in manual Android compilation.

2) Using SCADE for Android App Development

• SCADE Framework - The SCADE framework allows developers to use Swift to create apps that work on iOS and Android. No need to code separately for each platform.
• Develop UI and Logic - Using Sfit, developers can create the UI and business logic. Then, they can run the app on Android devices without rework (unlike Kotlin or Java).
• Native Experience - Developers can use Swift to build Android apps that mimic the appearance and functionality of apps made using Android tools. They deliver native-like performance.

3) Swift Integration with Kotlin Multi-Platform Mobile (KMM)

• KMM Project - Set up a KMM project in Android Studio. This means that developers will have to write a shared codebase that works on iOS and Android.
• Configure Build Files - List out the tools and dependencies that the app uses and define build targets. Build targets state how and where the app should run.
• Shared Kotlin Code - Write parts of the code, such as calculations or business logic, using Kotlin. The code should run smoothly on iOS and Android.
• Platform-Specific Code - For parts that must work on Android, developers must use Android. Whereas for iOS, they can take the shared code turned framework and insert it into the Xcode project. This way, they can use Swift in the iOS app.
• Build and Run - The first task is to transform the reusable Swift code into a framework. Then run the Android app using Android Studio, which ensures it uses the Swift code.

4) Using JNI Bridges for Android App Development

• Creating a Swift Executable - Creating a Swift executable means writing Swift code that runs independently. Developers can convert code into a module or package with instructions. After compilation, it becomes a program that one can run anywhere (besides Xcode).
• JNI Integration - Thanks to JNI integration, an Android app (coded using Kotlin or Java) can communicate with Swift code. This makes it possible for the Android app to use Swift functions like they were created exclusively for Android. This ensures seamless code sharing.
• Build and Deploy - Convert the Swift code into a format that Android understands. Then, insert it into the Android project, making it run like a traditional Android module.

Companies must understand that Swift code for Android is still taking baby steps. Compared to Android app development (which uses Kotlin or Java), the tooling and ecosystem have not attained the required level of maturity. Which approach is the best among the four mentioned above? It all depends on the technical expertise, level of integration required, and the effects of these changes on performance.

Companies should join the Swift Android Working Group. In this group, they can get guidance on using Swift, resolve queries, and access a wealth of resources. Alternatively, companies can partner with a leading Android development company that handles the process from start to finish.

Tools and Technologies to Use for Swift Android App Development

After Apple announced Swift support for Android app development, it will open up new possibilities. Developers can use Swift’s performance and safety features to create modern and high-performance Android apps. Below are some of the tools and technologies that companies can use to get maximum benefits while using Swift for Android app development.

Tools for Swift Android Development

• Skip

What is it? - A tool that developers can use to build native iOS and Android apps using a Swift/SwiftUI codebase.

How does it work? - Changes Swift code to Kotlin, which ensures that the code runs on Android while using Xcode.

Who should use it? - iOS developers who want to develop apps that work on the Android platform. Plus, developers don’t have to work harder to write code in Kotlin.

• Swift Android SDK

What is it? - An open-source toolkit that developers can use to convert Swift code and run it on Android devices.

How does it work? - SDK enables Swift-coded apps to run on Android devices. The feel and functionality of such apps would be similar to apps created using Kotlin or Java.

Who should use it? - Perfect for developers with extensive Swift knowledge who want to use Android features directly. They can also control the app’s operating mechanism on the Android platform.

• Swift Package Manager (SPM)

What is it? - It is Apple’s official tool for managing Swift code and dependencies.

How does it work? - Automatically builds the app, handles libraries, and integrates third-party dependencies. This ensures that the app works smoothly on all platforms without causing any issues.

Who should use it? - SPM is an excellent alternative for Swift developers who want a trouble-free way to manage libraries when building cross-platform applications.

Development Environments

• XCode

Most developers use Xcode to create apps for iOS devices. Using a framework like Skip, these developers can use Xcode to write Swift code.

• Android Studio

The main objective of developing Android Studio was to build Android apps using Kotlin or Java. However, Apple’s support for Android changes everything. It now works with Swift code. Swift’s specialized software development tools connect Swift with Android’s build system. It helps developers write code in the Swift programming language and turn it into an Android app. Android Studio facilitates testing on real devices to determine their appearance and functionality.

Do you find it challenging to leverage tools and technologies for Swift Android app development? Consult teaming up with a cross-platform app development company for optimal results.

7 Challenges Faced When Using Swift for Android App Development

Even with Apple’s commendable initiative, developers may face several challenges using Swift for Android app development. Below are some of the most notable challenges they may face.

1) Limited Native Support

The Swift programming language does not provide native support for Android app development. In simple language, it is not yet fully ready to create flawless Android apps. This can cause compatibility issues. The solution lies in using tools like Skip or Android Studio SDK.

2) Dependency Management

Most of Android’s libraries, aka the building blocks, are based on Java or Kotlin. When developers try to use these libraries for Android app development, these libraries can cause big problems. The solution is to use Swift Package Manager and cross-platform libraries that are compatible.

3) Incompatible UI Framework

SwiftUI is a framework that designers use to create design app interfaces in Swift. However, the framework works only on Apple devices and not Android devices. Skip eliminates this problem by automatically converting the code to Jetpack Compose. By converting the code to Android’s compatible version of SwiftUI, the same design can work seamlessly on both platforms.

4) Toolchain Complexity

Making Swift compilers work smoothly with the Android SDK can be excruciating. Following Swift’s Android setup guidelines and using ready-to-use Android SDKs can address the situation.

5) Limited Community Support

Limited resources and a small developer pool for Swift on Android make learning and issue resolution challenging. Developers can benefit from joining the Swift Android Workgroup and contributing to open-source projects.

6) Performance Optimization

Swift apps may not work as fast as Kotlin-powered apps. Companies must monitor and analyze their apps’ performance regularly. For features or aspects that demand high performance, it is better to use built-in Android tools.

7) Debugging Issues

Android Studio has its limitations when understanding Swift during debugging. The solution lies in using command-line tools or Xcode with Skip.

Interested in using Swift for Android app development but struggling to overcome challenges? Hire dedicated Android developers or team up with a professional Android development company.

8 Best Practices for Using Swift for Android Development

Every company that uses Swift for Android development wants apps that perform well while ensuring optimal maintainability and future-readiness. The tips below will help greatly.

1. Use platform-specific APIs when you need to access native Android features.
2. Write code in a way that it can be used for iOS and Android (no rewriting).
3. Use Swift Package Manager to add project libraries and automate builds.
4. Monitor the app and its performance on Android to identify and fix issues.
5. Stay abreast of community developments. These help developers learn about the latest tools and best practices.
6. Test the app’s performance on diverse Android devices.
7. Keep the app’s functionality separate from the UI. This will ensure optimal reusability and maintainability for iOS and Android platforms.
8. Resolve Android-specific issues without affecting the app’s performance.

Follow the tips above to make the most of Swift for Android app development. If necessary, hire cross-platform developers for your project.

Conclusion

Using Swift for Android is not easy but any means but Apple’s new initiative removes many roadblocks. A combination of tools like Skip and Android SDK streamlines Swift development for Android. Initially, using the Skip for Android app development may be time-consuming, but subsequent projects are faster as the code is reused. On the other hand, the Swift Android SDK simplifies development.

Additionally, Android app development companies should also consider some strategic and technical issues before choosing Swift. Does the company have a team that is already proficient in Skip and SwiftUI? If yes, they will be more productive. Swift’s tools are not mature yet, but they will catch up in a few years. Swift-based apps deliver fast performance on Android, but debugging can be a pain in the neck for developers. Manual debugging may be necessary to accomplish this goal.

Curious about using Swift for Android app development, but don’t have the time or resources for it? No worries, Hyperlink InfoSystem is here to help. Besides being one of the leading Android app development companies in the world, we also specialize in game, blockchain, and IoT development. Contact one of our experts to see what we can do for you.