Google allows AI-generated Android app distribution with just a Google account

Google has announced a major Play Store update for the AI era, allowing users to distribute Android apps generated with Google AI Studio using only a Google account — no paid developer account required. The feature is rolling out to users aged 18 and over in the US and other select markets.

With Google AI Studio, users can generate an app by writing a prompt for Gemini, then refine it with additional prompts or by editing the code directly. Initially, apps published this way will appear in a new "personal library" section, accessible only on the user's own devices, including tablets and computers with Play Store access. Google says it plans to let users securely share these apps with friends and family, and those who want wider distribution can "graduate" to a professional developer account and submit their apps to Play Store's standard safety reviews.

The company is also updating app discovery and gaming features. Similar to Ask Play, Gemini will be able to surface direct links to Play Store apps in chats. Sports topic pages will expand to include soccer matches from leagues such as the Premier League and Major League Soccer. New gaming features include Game Finder, which uses a "Gamer DNA" taste profile to recommend titles, a Sidekick overlay that can record 30-second gameplay clips, and developer tools like Sprints, Community Posts and expanded Quests.