Google Adds Private App Publishing Without Developer Fees

Google announced on October 13 a new way for adults to publish Android apps built with Google AI Studio for private use, without paying for a developer account. The feature is rolling out to users aged 18 and older in the United States and select other markets, according to the company. The apps will be kept out of public Play Store search results and listings. Google says they will be available through a personal library, although accounts differ on whether initial access is limited to the creator’s own devices or may extend across the creator’s devices. Google has said it plans to add sharing with trusted friends and family in the coming months; that option is not yet available. The publishing route applies to apps made with Google AI Studio, which can generate software from written prompts. Users can then adjust the result with further prompts or by editing the code. The new process removes the paid developer-account requirement for this personal-use route. Google said the apps remain subject to Play Store policies and that AI Studio includes security checks.