Google Play enables private deployment of AI-built Android apps

Google has announced a major update to the Play Store that allows users to launch custom Android applications created via AI Studio. This new feature supports ‘vibe coding,’ a method where individuals use natural language prompts and Gemini models to generate functional software without traditional programming knowledge.

Under this new policy, users aged 18 and older can deploy these apps to a private ‘personal library’ on their own devices using a standard Google account. This removes the previous requirement for a paid professional developer account for personal use. These AI-generated apps remain private, meaning they do not appear in public search results or the store’s general catalog.

Google plans to expand this capability in the coming months, eventually allowing users to share their creations with a limited circle of friends and family. For those wishing to reach a global audience, the company provides a path to ‘graduate’ to a professional developer account, which involves standard security, trust, and quality reviews.

In addition to app creation, Google is introducing several other Play Store enhancements, including ‘Game Finder’ for personalized gaming recommendations based on ‘Gamer DNA,’ and ‘Ask Play,’ an AI-driven tool to help users compare and discover apps through detailed analysis.