Kotlin vs Java: Which Is Better for Android Development in 2026?

The Android development landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and choosing between Kotlin and Java remains one of the most critical decisions developers face today. As of early 2026, this choice significantly impacts project timelines, code maintainability, team productivity, and ultimately, app success. With Google’s continued emphasis on Kotlin as the preferred language and Java maintaining its stronghold in enterprise systems, understanding the nuances between these two languages has never been more important.

Whether you’re a startup founder planning your first Android app, an experienced developer evaluating a technology stack, or an engineering manager considering migration options, this comprehensive guide provides data-driven insights to help you make the right choice for your specific needs.

Understanding the Current State: Kotlin’s Rise and Java’s Legacy

The programming language landscape for Android app development has transformed dramatically since Google announced Kotlin as an official language in 2017. By 2025, Kotlin job listings have grown more than 25% year-over-year, reflecting the industry’s rapid adoption. However, Java hasn’t disappeared from the conversation. Instead, it maintains relevance in specific contexts, particularly for legacy systems and certain enterprise applications.

What Makes This Debate Relevant in 2026?

Several factors keep the Kotlin vs Java discussion alive. Google’s Kotlin-first initiative continues to shape Android development practices. The company now prioritizes Kotlin in official documentation, Jetpack libraries, and sample code. Yet millions of lines of Java code still power production Android apps, and many development teams work in mixed-language environments.

The introduction of Kotlin’s K2 compiler has brought substantial performance improvements, with compilation speeds increasing by up to 94% in real-world projects. Meanwhile, Java maintains its position as a reliable, well-understood language with decades of optimization and an extensive ecosystem.

What Is Kotlin? A Modern Language for Modern Challenges

Kotlin emerged from JetBrains in 2011 as a modern, statically-typed programming language designed to address Java’s limitations while maintaining full interoperability with existing Java code. The language officially launched for public use in 2016, and Google designated it as the preferred language for Android development in 2019.

Key Characteristics of Kotlin

Kotlin runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which means Kotlin code compiles to bytecode that executes in the same environment as Java. This compatibility provides seamless integration with Java libraries, frameworks, and existing codebases. The language prioritizes developer productivity through concise syntax, modern language features, and built-in null safety mechanisms.

The current stable version as of late 2025 is Kotlin 2.1, which includes the revolutionary K2 compiler that delivers significant performance improvements. In benchmarks conducted on the Anki-Android project, clean build times dropped from 57.7 seconds with Kotlin 1.9.23 to just 29.7 seconds with Kotlin 2.0.0, representing a 48% improvement.

Companies Using Kotlin Successfully

Major technology companies have embraced Kotlin for their Android applications:

• Netflix uses Kotlin to build scalable streaming applications
• Pinterest migrated to Kotlin for improved developer productivity
• Trello adopted Kotlin for cleaner, more maintainable code
• Airbnb leverages Kotlin’s modern features for their mobile platform
• Uber employs Kotlin for critical Android app functionality

These organizations report reduced development time, fewer crashes due to null pointer exceptions, and improved developer satisfaction after adopting Kotlin.

 

 

What Is Java? The Time-Tested Foundation

Java has powered Android development since the platform’s inception in 2008. Created by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s, Java revolutionized programming with its “write once, run anywhere” philosophy. The language introduced object-oriented programming concepts to mainstream development and built one of the largest ecosystems in software history.

Java’s Enduring Strengths

Java’s maturity provides significant advantages. The language benefits from decades of optimization, extensive documentation, and a massive library ecosystem. Java developers are abundant globally, making hiring easier for many organizations. The language excels in backend systems, enterprise applications, and cloud-native services, often making it a strategic choice for teams building both Android apps and server infrastructure.

Java’s backward compatibility ensures that code written years ago continues to function in modern environments. This stability proves valuable for large organizations with significant existing investments in Java-based systems.

Where Java Still Dominates

Despite Kotlin’s rise, Java maintains strong positions in several areas:

• Enterprise Backend Systems: Spring Boot and other Java frameworks power countless enterprise applications
• Legacy Android Applications: Millions of apps built in Java continue operating successfully
• Cross-platform Development: Teams often choose Java when building Android apps alongside Java-based backend services

Educational Institutions: Many universities teach Java as a foundational programming language

The Critical Differences: Kotlin vs Java for Android Development

Understanding the technical differences between these languages helps developers make informed decisions. The following analysis examines key differentiators that impact daily development work.

Null Safety: Kotlin’s Game-Changing Feature

NullPointerException (NPE) historically ranks as one of the most common causes of application crashes in Java-based Android apps. Kotlin addresses this through its comprehensive null safety system built directly into the language design.

How Kotlin Handles Null Safety

Kotlin distinguishes between nullable and non-nullable types at compile time. By default, variables cannot hold null values unless explicitly declared as nullable using the question mark syntax (String?). This approach catches potential null reference errors during compilation rather than runtime, preventing crashes before they reach production.

// Kotlin example

var name: String = “Android Developer”

name = null // Compilation error – cannot assign null

var nullableName: String? = “Android Developer”

nullableName = null // Allowed – variable is nullable

The language provides elegant operators for handling nullable values. The safe call operator (?.) executes operations only when the reference is non-null, while the Elvis operator (?:) provides default values for null cases.

Java’s Approach to Null Handling

Java treats every object reference as potentially nullable. Developers must implement explicit null checks throughout their code, leading to verbose conditional statements. While annotations and Optional types exist in Java, they aren’t enforced at compile time, making null-related bugs more likely.

// Java example

String name = “Android Developer”;

if (name != null) {

    int length = name.length();

} else {

    int length = 0;

}

Real-world impact: Applications built with Kotlin report significantly fewer crashes related to null pointer exceptions. The compile-time enforcement means bugs are caught during development rather than discovered by end users.

Code Conciseness: Writing More with Less

Kotlin’s design philosophy emphasizes reducing boilerplate code without sacrificing readability or functionality. This translates to faster development cycles and easier code maintenance.

Data Classes: Automatic Functionality

Consider creating a simple user model. In Java, developers must manually implement constructors, getters, setters, equals(), hashCode(), and toString() methods. Kotlin’s data classes generate all this functionality automatically:

// Kotlin data class (single line)

data class User(val id: Int, val name: String, val email: String)

// Java equivalent requires 30+ lines of code for the same functionality

Extension Functions: Adding Functionality Without Inheritance

Kotlin’s extension functions allow developers to add methods to existing classes without modifying their source code or using inheritance. This feature proves particularly useful when working with third-party libraries or Android framework classes.

String Templates: Cleaner String Formatting

Kotlin provides built-in string interpolation through string templates, making string formatting more readable than Java’s concatenation or String.format() approaches.

Studies show that Kotlin code is typically 30-40% more concise than equivalent Java code, reducing both development time and potential bug introduction.

Interoperability: Working Together Seamlessly

One of Kotlin’s most strategic features is its complete interoperability with Java. This compatibility enables several practical scenarios that ease adoption and reduce risk.

Calling Java from Kotlin and Vice Versa

Kotlin code can directly use Java classes, methods, and libraries without any special configuration. Similarly, Java code can call Kotlin functions and use Kotlin classes. This bidirectional compatibility means teams can:

• Gradually migrate existing Java apps to Kotlin, one module at a time
• Use Kotlin for new features while maintaining existing Java code
• Leverage the extensive Java library ecosystem from Kotlin projects
• Mix Java and Kotlin files within the same project without issues

Real-World Migration Strategies

Companies transitioning from Java to Kotlin typically follow a phased approach. They start by writing new features in Kotlin while keeping existing code in Java. Over time, as developers update existing modules, they convert Java files to Kotlin. This incremental strategy minimizes risk and allows teams to learn Kotlin progressively.

Performance Comparison: Speed Where It Matters

Both Kotlin and Java compile to JVM bytecode, meaning runtime performance is generally equivalent. However, compilation speed and developer productivity metrics tell different stories.

Compilation Performance with K2 Compiler

The introduction of Kotlin’s K2 compiler in version 2.0 brought dramatic improvements in build times. Real-world benchmarks demonstrate:

• Clean builds: Up to 94% faster compared to Kotlin 1.9.23
• Incremental builds: Initialization phase improved by 488%
• Analysis phase: Performance increased by 376%

These improvements translate to faster iteration cycles during development. When developers make changes and rebuild their apps, they spend less time waiting for compilation to complete.

Runtime Performance Considerations

Since both languages produce similar bytecode, runtime performance differences are minimal. The choice between Kotlin and Java rarely impacts actual app performance from a user’s perspective. However, Kotlin’s concise syntax can lead to more maintainable code, which indirectly affects performance through better optimization opportunities.

Learning Curve: Getting Started Effectively

For Developers New to Programming

Java traditionally serves as an excellent first programming language. Its verbose syntax makes concepts explicit, which helps beginners understand what their code is doing. The abundance of Java learning resources, tutorials, and educational content supports new developers.

Kotlin, while more concise, introduces additional concepts like nullable types, extension functions, and lambda expressions that might overwhelm complete beginners. However, developers who already understand basic programming concepts often find Kotlin more intuitive.

For Experienced Java Developers

Java developers transitioning to Kotlin report a relatively gentle learning curve. Most Kotlin concepts map to familiar Java patterns, just expressed more concisely. Developers typically become productive in Kotlin within a few weeks of focused learning.

The similarity between languages means Java knowledge transfers directly. Concepts like object-oriented programming, interfaces, inheritance, and the JVM runtime work identically in both languages.

Modern Language Features: Beyond the Basics

Kotlin includes several modern programming language features that Java lacks or implemented later:

Coroutines for Asynchronous Programming

Kotlin’s coroutines provide a powerful, straightforward approach to asynchronous programming. Unlike Java’s complex threading models or callback-based approaches, coroutines make concurrent code readable and maintainable. For Android development, this matters significantly when handling network requests, database operations, and other background tasks.

Smart Casts: Automatic Type Conversion

When Kotlin’s compiler determines a variable’s type through a conditional check, it automatically casts the variable within that scope. This eliminates redundant casting code common in Java:

// Kotlin smart cast

if (obj is String) {

    println(obj.length) // obj automatically cast to String

}

// Java requires explicit casting

if (obj instanceof String) {

    String str = (String) obj;

    System.out.println(str.length());

}

Sealed Classes and Pattern Matching

Kotlin’s sealed classes enable developers to represent restricted class hierarchies, making exhaustive when-expressions possible. This feature improves type safety and makes state management more robust.

Ecosystem and Community Support in 2026

The support ecosystem surrounding a programming language significantly influences long-term project success. Both Kotlin and Java offer robust communities, but with different characteristics.

Google’s Official Stance and Support

Google’s position is clear: Kotlin is the recommended language for new Android applications. The Android team at Google now writes Jetpack libraries, sample code, and official documentation with Kotlin as the primary language. Jetpack Compose, Android’s modern UI toolkit, was designed specifically for Kotlin and feels more natural when used with Kotlin’s syntax.

This strategic direction doesn’t mean Java is deprecated or unsupported. Google continues maintaining Java compatibility in Android, and existing Java apps receive full platform support. However, new Android features often launch with Kotlin-first APIs.

Library and Framework Availability

Kotlin-Specific Libraries

The Kotlin ecosystem has grown substantially. Frameworks like Ktor enable server-side Kotlin development. Kotlin Multiplatform allows code sharing across Android, iOS, web, and desktop platforms. These tools expand Kotlin’s utility beyond Android development.

Java’s Extensive Ecosystem

Java’s decades-long history created an enormous library ecosystem. Spring Framework, Apache Commons, Guava, and countless other libraries provide battle-tested solutions for nearly any programming challenge. Kotlin projects can use these libraries directly, benefiting from Java’s ecosystem while writing code in Kotlin.

Job Market and Career Opportunities

Current Salary Trends

As of 2026, salary data reveals interesting patterns. Kotlin developers working on modern Android applications command competitive salaries, particularly in startup and mobile-first companies. The median annual salary ranges vary by region and experience:

• United States: Kotlin developers earn $95,000-$140,000 for mid-level positions, with senior roles reaching $160,000+
• Europe: €55,000-€90,000 depending on location and seniority
• Asia: Significant variation by market, with major tech hubs offering competitive compensation

Java developers often earn similar or slightly lower salaries for Android-specific roles, but command premium rates for backend and enterprise positions where Java dominates.

Job Demand Analysis

Kotlin job postings have increased more than 25% year-over-year, particularly for roles focused on modern Android development. Job requirements increasingly specify Kotlin proficiency, especially for startups and companies building new applications.

Java maintains strong demand for:

• Backend development positions
• Enterprise software engineering
• Positions requiring both Android and server-side development
• Roles at established companies with large existing Java codebases

Developer Satisfaction and Productivity

Multiple developer surveys consistently rank Kotlin among the most loved programming languages. Developers cite reduced boilerplate code, null safety, and modern language features as primary reasons for their preference. Teams that migrate from Java to Kotlin commonly report:

• Faster feature development due to concise syntax
• Fewer production crashes from null pointer exceptions
• Improved code review efficiency with more readable code
• Higher developer morale and job satisfaction

When to Choose Kotlin: Ideal Use Cases

Kotlin shines in specific scenarios where its modern features provide clear advantages. Understanding these use cases helps teams make strategic language choices.

Starting New Android Projects

Why Kotlin Is the Default Choice

For greenfield Android projects starting in 2026, Kotlin should be the default selection unless compelling reasons suggest otherwise. Google’s official recommendation, combined with Kotlin’s technical advantages, makes it the logical choice for new applications.

New projects avoid the complexity of existing Java codebases, allowing teams to leverage Kotlin’s full feature set from day one. Jetpack Compose works more naturally with Kotlin, and new Android APIs are designed with Kotlin in mind.

Building Kotlin Multiplatform Applications

Sharing Code Across Platforms

Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM) enables code sharing between Android and iOS applications. Teams can write business logic, networking code, and data models once in Kotlin and use them across platforms. This approach reduces duplication and ensures consistency.

Organizations pursuing cross-platform strategies while maintaining native UI experiences increasingly choose Kotlin for its multiplatform capabilities. This use case provides value impossible to achieve with Java.

Modernizing Legacy Java Applications

Incremental Migration Strategy

Existing Java applications benefit from gradual Kotlin adoption. Teams can introduce Kotlin for new features while maintaining existing Java code. The interoperability allows mixing both languages within single projects, reducing migration risk.

Organizations modernizing older Android apps often start with utility classes, data models, or new features in Kotlin. Over time, as developers touch existing modules, they convert them to Kotlin. This strategy provides immediate benefits without requiring complete rewrites.

Projects Prioritizing Developer Productivity

When Development Speed Matters

Startups, rapid prototyping projects, and teams working under tight deadlines benefit significantly from Kotlin’s productivity advantages. The concise syntax means developers write and maintain less code, accelerating development cycles.

For companies where time-to-market is critical, Kotlin’s productivity benefits often outweigh any learning curve costs. Teams report building features 20-30% faster in Kotlin compared to Java for equivalent functionality.

When to Choose Java: Strategic Scenarios

Despite Kotlin’s advantages, Java remains the better choice in specific contexts. Understanding these scenarios prevents costly mistakes.

Maintaining Large Existing Java Codebases

Stability Over Modernization

Organizations with substantial existing Java Android applications should carefully evaluate migration benefits versus costs. If an application functions well, has stable performance, and requires only maintenance updates, migrating to Kotlin may not provide sufficient return on investment.

Large codebases with millions of lines of Java code represent years of development investment. Unless teams plan significant feature development or face specific problems Kotlin solves, maintaining the existing Java code often makes more business sense.

Teams Deeply Specialized in Java

Leveraging Existing Expertise

Companies with development teams highly experienced in Java but unfamiliar with Kotlin face transition costs. Training expenses, temporary productivity decreases during learning, and potential initial bug introduction all factor into the decision.

For backend-heavy companies using Java extensively in their server infrastructure, continuing with Java for Android might provide better team synergy. Developers context-switching between Android and backend code benefit from using consistent languages.

Enterprise Applications Requiring Java Compatibility

Integration with Enterprise Systems

Some organizations require tight integration between Android applications and Java-based enterprise systems. While Kotlin interoperates well with Java, teams sometimes prefer consistency across their entire technology stack.

Banking, healthcare, and other regulated industries with established Java-based infrastructure sometimes choose Java for Android to maintain architectural consistency and simplify compliance requirements.

Educational and Learning Contexts

Teaching Fundamental Concepts

Educational institutions teaching programming fundamentals often prefer Java’s more explicit syntax. The verbosity that experienced developers find tedious actually helps beginners understand what their code does.

Students learning with Java gain knowledge that transfers to Kotlin and many other languages. Once fundamentals are solid, transitioning to Kotlin becomes straightforward.

Migration Strategies: Moving from Java to Kotlin

For teams deciding to transition from Java to Kotlin, careful planning minimizes disruption while maximizing benefits. Successful migrations follow proven patterns.

Assessing Migration Readiness

Evaluating Your Situation

Before beginning migration, assess several factors:

• Team Kotlin proficiency: Do developers have Kotlin experience, or will they need training?
• Codebase size: How many lines of Java code exist?
• Business priorities: Are major new features planned that could be built in Kotlin?
• Testing coverage: Does comprehensive test coverage exist to catch migration-related issues?

Teams with good test coverage, upcoming feature work, and some Kotlin knowledge are well-positioned for migration. Organizations lacking these elements should build a foundation first.

The Gradual Approach: Best Practices

Phased Migration Strategy

Successful migrations rarely happen overnight. Instead, teams employ incremental approaches:

1. Training Phase: Ensure team members complete Kotlin training and understand core concepts
2. New Features in Kotlin: Write all new features, utilities, and modules in Kotlin
3. Convert Low-Risk Code: Start migrating simple classes like data models and utility functions
4. Migrate Module by Module: Gradually convert existing features, one module at a time
5. High-Risk Areas Last: Save complex business logic with high testing requirements for later

This approach maintains application stability while steadily moving toward Kotlin. Developers learn Kotlin through practical application rather than theoretical study.

Common Migration Challenges and Solutions

Null Safety Complications

Java code often contains implicit assumptions about null values. When converting to Kotlin, developers must make these assumptions explicit. Initial conversions sometimes mark everything as nullable, reducing Kotlin’s null safety benefits.

Solution: Carefully analyze Java code’s actual null behavior. Use non-nullable types where possible, and leverage IDE tools that suggest appropriate nullability annotations.

Testing During Migration

Mixed Java/Kotlin codebases require careful testing. Interoperability issues occasionally surface in edge cases.

Solution: Maintain comprehensive test suites that run after each conversion. Focus on integration tests that verify Java-Kotlin boundaries work correctly.

Real-World Case Studies: Learning from Others

Examining how organizations approached the Kotlin vs Java decision provides practical insights.

Startup Success: Building Fast with Kotlin

A San Francisco-based fintech startup chose Kotlin for their Android application from day one in 2024. The team of four developers had mixed experience—two knew Java well, while two were relatively new to Android development.

Results: The team shipped their MVP in four months, attributing 20% of their speed advantage to Kotlin’s concise syntax and null safety. Post-launch, they experienced 60% fewer crashes related to null references compared to industry benchmarks for similar applications.

The startup’s CTO noted: “Kotlin’s modern features let us move fast without sacrificing quality. Our code reviews are shorter because there’s less boilerplate to analyze.”

Enterprise Migration: Gradual Transformation

A major e-commerce company with a five-year-old Java-based Android application employing 30 developers began migrating to Kotlin in early 2023. They completed the transition by late 2024.

Approach: The organization ran comprehensive Kotlin training for their team over three months. They then introduced Kotlin for new features while establishing a module-by-module migration plan. Critical business logic was converted last, after teams gained confidence with the language.

Results: Post-migration, the company reported 35% reduction in code volume, 40% decrease in null pointer exception crashes, and improved developer satisfaction scores. The migration took 18 months but proceeded without major disruptions to their release schedule.

Making Your Decision: A Framework for Choosing

With comprehensive understanding of both languages, use this framework to make your decision:

Decision Matrix: Kotlin vs Java

Choose Kotlin when:

• Starting a new Android project from scratch
• Google’s latest features and APIs are priorities
• Developer productivity and modern language features matter
• Team is willing to learn or already knows Kotlin
• Null safety and crash prevention are critical concerns
• Considering Kotlin Multiplatform for cross-platform development

Choose Java when:

• Maintaining large existing Java codebases with no pressing modernization needs
• Team deeply specialized in Java with no bandwidth for language transition
• Consistency with Java-based backend systems is strategically important
• Educational context requires explicit syntax for teaching fundamentals
• Organization’s risk tolerance is low and stability is paramount

Consider both when:

• Team will work on Android and backend simultaneously
• Migration from Java to Kotlin makes sense for specific modules
• Learning curve concerns exist but long-term modernization is planned

Questions to Ask Your Team

Before finalizing your decision, discuss these questions with stakeholders:

1. What are our actual pain points with current development practices?
2. Does our team have time and willingness to learn Kotlin?
3. What’s our application’s expected lifespan and evolution plan?
4. How important is alignment with Google’s recommended practices?
5. What are our hiring plans, and what skills do candidates typically have?

Honest answers to these questions often clarify the best path forward.

The Future Outlook: Where Are These Languages Heading?

Understanding future trajectories helps make decisions with long-term impact in mind.

Kotlin’s Trajectory

Kotlin continues evolving rapidly. JetBrains and Google actively develop new features, with recent focus areas including:

• Performance optimization: The K2 compiler represents major advancement, with continued improvements expected
• Kotlin Multiplatform expansion: Growing ecosystem for sharing code across platforms
• Tooling improvements: Enhanced IDE support, debugging, and development tools

Google’s commitment to Kotlin as the preferred Android language appears firm. New Android features, libraries, and frameworks launch with Kotlin as the primary target. This trajectory suggests Kotlin’s importance will only increase.

Java’s Evolution

Java isn’t standing still. Recent Java versions include modern features like records, pattern matching, and improved performance characteristics. However, Android’s Java version support lags behind the latest Java releases, limiting the platform’s access to newest features.

For Android development specifically, Java’s role increasingly shifts toward maintenance of existing applications rather than new development. For backend systems, enterprise applications, and non-Android contexts, Java remains vibrant and actively developed.

Industry Trends and Recommendations

Based on current trends and industry direction, several patterns emerge:

For new Android projects: Kotlin is the clear recommendation unless specific constraints dictate otherwise.

For existing Java projects: Evaluate migration benefits against costs. Incremental adoption of Kotlin for new features often provides the best risk-reward balance.

For developers: Learning both languages maximizes career opportunities. Kotlin for Android-specific work and Java for broader JVM ecosystem access creates versatile skill sets.

For organizations: Align language choices with business strategy. Startups often benefit from Kotlin’s productivity advantages, while large enterprises may prioritize stability and existing expertise.

Practical Next Steps: Getting Started

Ready to move forward? Here’s your action plan.

If Choosing Kotlin

Learning Resources

Start with official Kotlin documentation and Android’s Kotlin-first tutorials. The combination provides a solid foundation for Android development with Kotlin.

Project Setup

Create a new Android project in Android Studio, which defaults to Kotlin. Explore Jetpack Compose for UI development, taking advantage of Kotlin’s language features.

Best Practices from Day One

• Embrace null safety by using non-nullable types by default
• Leverage data classes for model objects
• Use coroutines for asynchronous operations
• Follow Kotlin style guidelines for consistency

If Choosing Java or Maintaining Java Code

Optimization Strategies

Even if staying with Java, adopt modern development practices:

• Use Optional types to handle null values more explicitly
• Leverage newer Java language features available on Android
• Maintain comprehensive test coverage to catch null pointer issues
• Consider strategic Kotlin adoption for specific modules

Migration Planning

If migration to Kotlin is planned for the future:

• Document null handling assumptions in existing Java code
• Build comprehensive test suites to enable safe refactoring
• Train team members on Kotlin fundamentals during less busy periods
• Identify low-risk modules suitable for early conversion

Staying Current

Technology landscapes evolve constantly. Stay informed about:

• Android development updates: Follow Android Developers blog for official announcements
• Kotlin language evolution: Track Kotlin blog for language improvements and new features
• Community practices: Engage with Android development communities to learn from others’ experiences
• Performance best practices: Regularly review performance optimization techniques for chosen language

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Context

The Kotlin vs Java debate doesn’t have a universally correct answer because the right choice depends on your specific context, constraints, and goals. However, clear patterns emerge from industry data and real-world experiences.

For new Android development in 2026, Kotlin represents the modern, forward-looking choice. Its technical advantages, official Google support, growing ecosystem, and developer satisfaction scores make it the default recommendation. Teams starting fresh Android projects should choose Kotlin unless compelling reasons suggest otherwise.

For existing Java codebases, the decision requires more nuance. Migration to Kotlin provides tangible benefits—reduced crashes, improved productivity, and modern language features—but comes with costs including training time, temporary productivity decreases, and migration effort. Organizations with functioning Java applications should carefully weigh these factors against expected benefits.

The ideal approach for many organizations involves thoughtful, incremental adoption. Use Kotlin for new features while maintaining existing Java code. This strategy provides immediate productivity benefits while managing risk and learning curves.

Ultimately, both languages remain viable options for Android development in 2026. Java’s maturity, extensive ecosystem, and skilled developer pool ensure its continued relevance. Kotlin’s modern features, official support, and growing adoption signal its position as Android’s future.

Your choice should align with your organization’s current situation, team capabilities, and strategic direction. Make your decision based on evidence, not hype, and you’ll set your projects up for success regardless of which language you choose.