Android Studio
Google · Google’s official Android IDE with Kotlin and Java editing, Gradle builds, Compose previews, SDK and device management, debugging, and optional AI assistance.
About
Android Studio is Google's official IDE for Android application development. It combines Kotlin and Java editing, Gradle builds, Android SDK management, device testing, and performance inspection. It suits Android developers, students, and teams building apps for phones, tablets, Wear OS, TV, cars, and other Android form factors.
Features
- Edit Kotlin, Java, and native project code with completion, navigation, lint, and refactoring.
- Build and manage project variants with Gradle and the Android Gradle Plugin.
- Preview Compose interfaces and inspect layouts and recomposition state.
- Install SDK packages and configure virtual devices, or run apps on physical devices.
- Debug applications and inspect performance, app size, and runtime behavior.
- Use optional AI assistance and agent workflows, subject to model, account, and service availability.
Installation and first use
Install brew install --cask android-studio, then open Android Studio.app from Applications. Alternatively open Google's DMG and drag the app to Applications. Complete the Setup Wizard and install the SDK components needed for your project. Create or open a project, let Gradle synchronize dependencies, and select a virtual or connected physical Android device before running it. Network access is needed to download SDK packages and uncached project dependencies.
Mac system requirements
Google currently lists macOS 12 or later, an Apple M1 chip or sixth-generation Intel Core processor or newer, and a 1280×800 screen as minimum Mac requirements. For Studio alone, the minimum is 8 GB RAM and 8 GB free disk space. Studio plus Emulator requires 16 GB RAM and 16 GB free disk space; Google recommends 32 GB RAM and an SSD with at least 32 GB free. Additional device images and projects consume more space. Google is phasing out Intel Mac support, although current Intel and Apple Silicon downloads remain available. Homebrew's raw cask declares no explicit macOS minimum or extra formula dependency; Google's requirements remain relevant.
Dependencies and conflicts
Android Studio includes JetBrains Runtime, Google's recommended runtime for the IDE, so a separate JDK is not required simply to launch it. Project builds must use compatible Gradle, Android Gradle Plugin, JDK, SDK, and NDK versions. A project's build JDK can differ from the IDE runtime; JAVA_HOME, STUDIO_JDK, and Gradle settings can change which Java installation is selected. Rabbit 1 supports the documented AGP 7.1–9.4 range; check project-specific compatibility before upgrading.
Homebrew declares no explicit cask conflict. Existing SDK directories, environment variables, plugins, or parallel IDE installations can still affect projects. Homebrew's optional zap cleanup includes Android SDK and IDE data; retain SDKs and project settings that you need. A real device or emulator is required to run Android apps; the IDE itself runs on the development computer.
Other platforms
Google also provides Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS installation options with their own hardware and virtualization requirements. This cask installs only the Mac application. Do not equate the IDE's host requirements with an app's Android minSdk or assume the macOS requirements apply to other hosts. The IDE is not an Android or iOS mobile application.
Accounts, costs, and licenses
Core local development does not require a paid IDE subscription or a Google account. Optional Gemini, Firebase, cloud, enterprise, and Google Play publishing services can require accounts, permissions, and separate charges. Rabbit 1 supports Gemini Enterprise subscription integration; that optional service is not a requirement for ordinary editing and builds. Android Studio includes open-source components with their own notices; downloaded Android SDK components are subject to Google's Android SDK License Agreement and applicable component licenses. Do not describe the entire IDE, SDK, and cloud service bundle as one unrestricted license.
Official references
New What’s new in 2026.2.1.8 Jan 1, 1 · OpenNavo editorial
- ChangesIntegrate Gemini Enterprise subscriptions with Android Studio.