Google brings back Android Dev Summit with Android 18 ‘powerful new graphics features’ tease

The Android Dev Summit is returning in 2026 after Google’s last focused developer conference in 2022. Additionally, the agenda comes with a mention of Android 18. The last Android Dev Summit was in 2022. The developer-focused event is now back with two days of programming at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, as well as a satellite “Extended” event in London. There will be a “keynote with Android leadership on the latest features and updates.” There are four conference tracks: AI experiences, Android XR, Apps foundation, and Tools and performance. Meanwhile, we get our first mention of Android 18, including how there will be “powerful new graphics features.” “Elevate your apps with the latest graphics features in Jetpack Compose and Android 18” is a particularly interesting session: Ready to take your Android UI from “it works” to “it’s a work of art”? Join us for a tour of the latest graphics capabilities in Jetpack Compose. We’ll show you how to build new visual effects, from delightful mesh gradients to progressive blurs, and using the powerful new graphics features in Android 18. We will also show you how to improve the performance of your graphics features, without sacrificing battery life or frame rates. It will be interesting to see if Android 18 is announced at or just before the conference. Android no longer has developer previews in light of the Canary channel. But for reference, Android 16 testing began in November. Any sort of Android 18 preview in October would be very early. Android XR and AI are big focuses, with notable sessions about how to: Connect your apps to Gemini, Search and the Android intelligence system: “Explore how to connect your applications seamlessly to Gemini, Search and the Android intelligence system.” Integrate your app with the Android intelligence system: “Android is evolving into an intelligence system where agents like Gemini orchestrate tasks across apps… We’ll also explore proactive experiences using the Android Context Engine.” Building audio-first experiences for intelligent eyewear with Gemini Nano 4 The Android Dev Summit takes place on October 28-29. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.