Google I/O 2025: AI Takes Center Stage Across Android, Play Store, and Chrome
At its annual I/O developer conference, Google announced a sweeping range of new tools and features for Android developers, Play Store users, and Chrome, with a heavy focus on artificial intelligence integration.
Android Development
AI Studio for App Creation
Google introduced a new capability in its web-based AI Studio that allows users to create native Android applications through natural language prompts. According to Google, this feature reduces the time required for setup and coding from weeks to minutes.
- Target users: The tool is designed for experienced developers for rapid prototyping and for non-technical users creating personal applications.
- Technical specifics: Apps are built using the Kotlin programming language and Jetpack Compose UI toolkit. The system supports hardware sensors including GPS, Bluetooth, and NFC.
- Limitations & planned updates: Currently, applications created in AI Studio are designated for personal use only. Google stated that publishing support for family and friends is planned. Future updates will include Firebase integrations.
- Preview and testing: Users can preview apps via an embedded Android emulator within the browser. Apps can be installed on devices via USB using Android Debug Bridge. The tool can also upload apps to an internal testing track in Google Play Console.
- Other development tools: A command-line interface compatible with programming AIs like Claude Code or Codex was announced, along with the Engage SDK for marketing, Play Shorts for short-form video ads, and Play Games Sidekick for in-game coaching.
"Apps are built using the Kotlin programming language and Jetpack Compose UI toolkit, with support for hardware sensors including GPS, Bluetooth, and NFC."
Play Store
AI-Powered Discovery
Google announced "Ask Play," an AI-powered overlay interface in the Play Store that enables users to search for apps using natural language queries. Users can ask questions about app features or system requirements.
- Gemini integration: Gemini AI will surface apps in user conversations on the web and Android. Google stated this feature will roll out in the coming weeks. Later in 2025, Gemini will also surface over 450,000 movies and TV shows with links to developer apps.
Developer Management Tools
New AI-driven management tools for developers were announced that can:
- Generate app listings from keyword insights.
- Automate catalog management.
- Evaluate payment glitches for low-risk subscribers.
- Present retention offers to users who are canceling a subscription.
Fee Structure
Google recently reduced Play Store fees, with rates now ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on the purchase type and developer revenue.
Chrome
WebMCP Trial
Google announced a trial of a proposed web standard called WebMCP, designed to connect AI agents to site APIs. Partners in this prototype include Booking.com, Credit Karma, Etsy, Expedia, Instacart, Redfin, Shopify, Target, and TurboTax.
Built-in AI Tools
Chrome will include browser-based AI tools for writing, debugging, and optimizing code.
Non-AI Features
Google is testing an HTML-in-Canvas API and element-scoped view transitions. Additionally, an 'Immediate UI Mode' was announced, which provides a unified interface for password and passkey login.