Google Play now lets people install private AI-built apps for themselves
Google will let Android users launch personal applications they build with artificial intelligence directly through Google Play, without publishing them to the public store. The private apps will not appear in search results or listings. The feature launches first for adults in the United States, with sharing among trusted friends planned for the coming months.
Google said on Tuesday that people can now launch their own AI-built apps through Google Play. The apps stay private, TechCrunch reported.
Many people now build simple apps by describing what they want to an AI tool, a practice known as vibe-coding. Until now, using such an app on an Android phone meant publishing it on Google Play, where anyone could find it, TechCrunch reported. With the new feature, users can build an app in Google AI Studio and then launch it just for themselves.
These personal apps will not appear in Google Play's search or listings, and only the creator can use them, TechCrunch reported. Google said it will keep them "secure, private, and separate from the public store catalog," The Verge reported. Users can launch them with a standard Google account. The apps must still follow Google Play's rules.
At first, the feature is for users in the U.S. who are 18 and older. In the coming months, Google plans to let people share their apps with a small group of trusted friends or family. Apps that get popular could later move to the public store after safety reviews.
"The future of apps on Google Play is personal, secure, and built by everyone," said Sam Bright, who runs Google Play, TechCrunch reported.
Google also announced a game recommendation tool called Game Finder and updates to its Ask Play assistant.
Google first let people vibe-code personal Android apps in May, The Verge reported. Before this change, people had to connect their phone to a computer to install such an app.
What we know: U.S. adults can now launch private, AI-built apps through Google Play.
What we don't: When sharing with friends will arrive, and how Google will review these apps for safety.
Where outlets agree TechCrunch and The Verge both report that Google announced on Tuesday that U.S. users can launch private, vibe-coded apps through Google Play using a standard Google account.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.