This page lists the new features introduced in Android Studio preview releases. The preview builds provide early access to the latest features and improvements in Android Studio. You can download these preview versions. If you encounter any problems using a preview version of Android Studio, let us know. Your bug reports help to make Android Studio better.
Canary releases contain leading edge features under active development, and are lightly tested. While you can use Canary builds for development, be aware that features might be added or changed. Release Candidates (RC) are the next version of Android Studio, and are almost ready for stable release. The feature set for the next version has been stabilized. See Android Studio release names to understand Android Studio version naming.
For the latest news on Android Studio preview releases, including a list of notable fixes in each preview release, see the Release Updates in the Android Studio blog.
Current versions of Android Studio
The following table lists the current versions of Android Studio and their respective channels.
| Version | Channel |
|---|---|
| Android Studio Panda 2 | Stable |
| Android Gradle plugin 9.1.0 | Stable |
| Android Studio Panda 3 | RC |
Compatibility with Android Gradle plugin previews
Each preview version of Android Studio is published alongside a corresponding version of the Android Gradle plugin (AGP). Preview versions of Studio should work with any compatible stable version of AGP. However, if you're using a preview version of AGP, you must use the corresponding preview version of Studio (for example, Android Studio Chipmunk Canary 7 with AGP 7.2.0-alpha07). Attempts to use divergent versions (for example, Android Studio Chipmunk Beta 1 with AGP 7.2.0-alpha07) will cause a Sync failure, which results in a prompt to update to the corresponding version of AGP.
For a detailed log of Android Gradle plugin API deprecations and removals, see the Android Gradle plugin API updates.
Studio Labs
Studio Labs lets you try out the latest AI experimental features in a stable version of Android Studio, so you can more quickly integrate our AI assistance offerings in your development workflow. For more information, see Studio Labs.
The following are features currently available in Studio Labs.
| Feature | Description | Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Journeys for Android Studio | Use natural language to describe steps and assertions for end-to-end tests. | Journeys for Android Studio |
Android Studio Panda 3
The following are new features in Android Studio Panda 3.
To see what's been fixed in this version of Android Studio, see the closed issues.
Manage permissions in Agent Mode
You can now manage specific permissions for the agent, giving you granular control over your workspace. Permissions let you control whether the agent can perform certain actions, including the following:
- Read and update project files, external directories, and sensitive data (such as credentials).
- Access Google Search and other domains.
- Run shell commands.
- Interact with MCP servers.
While you're working with the agent, the agent will ask you for permission to do something if you haven't approved before:
You can choose Allow for one-time tasks or Always allow for trusted,
repeated workflows. Gemini uses an intelligent request system, so granting a
high-level permission (such as writing files) automatically authorizes all
related sub-tools. Common commands like ls or grep are approved silently based
on your existing read access, letting you stay in the flow without redundant
prompts. The new permissions model balances security and productivity so you can
have the agent work without interruption on operations you trust, and still do
manual review for other operations.
You can audit your permissions manually at File > Settings > Tools > AI > Agent Permissions (or Android Studio > Settings > Tools > AI > Agent Permissions on macOS).
Sandboxing
Sandboxing limits unauthorized network access and file-system writes unless you provide explicit consent. To configure sandboxing, go to File > Settings > Tools > AI > Agent Shell Sandbox (or Android Studio > Settings > Tools > AI > Agent Shell Sandbox on macOS).
