Android Jetpack Unleashes Vertical Text Support, Revolutionizing Multilingual App Design
Mountain View, CA – August 27, 2025 – In a move poised to significantly impact multilingual app development, Google’s Android Jetpack team today announced the release of a new library dedicated to vertical text layout. This breaking development, primarily aimed at supporting languages like Japanese, leverages the new VERTICAL_TEXT_FLAG introduced in Android 16, opening up exciting possibilities for developers targeting global audiences. This isn’t just a technical update; it’s a step towards a more inclusive and visually diverse Android ecosystem.
What’s New in Android Jetpack’s Vertical Text Library?
The androidx.text:text library, currently in its alpha phase (version 1.0.0-alpha01), introduces a suite of tools designed to handle the complexities of vertical text rendering. This goes beyond simply rotating text; it addresses crucial aspects like proper line breaks, mixed orientation (allowing horizontal characters within vertical lines – think English words embedded in Japanese text), and the rendering of ruby text (small characters placed alongside main characters for pronunciation guides).
Key components of the new library include:
VerticalTextLayout: The core class responsible for laying out vertical text, ensuring correct rendering and handling of complex scripts.FontShearSpan: Allows for italic-like styling within vertical text, adding a touch of visual flair.EmphasisRun: Enables highlighting or emphasis marks within the vertical text flow.
Getting Started: Adding the Dependency
Integrating the new library into your Android project is straightforward. Developers need to add the Google Maven Repository to their project’s build configuration. Then, within your app or module’s build.gradle file, include the following dependency:
Groovy:
dependencies {
//TODO: Confirm these dependencies
implementation "androidx.text:text:1.0.0-alpha01"
}
Kotlin:
dependencies {
//TODO: Confirm these dependencies
implementation("androidx.text:text:1.0.0-alpha01")
}
Remember to sync your project after adding the dependency. For detailed instructions on managing build dependencies, refer to Android’s official documentation.
Why This Matters: Beyond Japanese Support
While initially focused on Japanese, the implications of this library extend far beyond a single language. Vertical text is used in various other writing systems, including traditional Mongolian and some historical scripts. More broadly, this development signals Google’s commitment to providing robust tools for handling complex text layouts, catering to the increasingly global nature of mobile applications. It also demonstrates a proactive approach to supporting new Android features like the VERTICAL_TEXT_FLAG, ensuring developers have the resources they need to leverage the latest platform capabilities.
The release of this library also highlights the importance of staying current with Android Jetpack updates. Jetpack libraries are designed to accelerate development and improve app quality, and this vertical text support is a prime example of that benefit. Developers are encouraged to explore the Issue Tracker and contribute feedback to help shape the future of this library.
This new library isn’t just about adding a feature; it’s about empowering developers to create more culturally relevant and visually appealing apps for a global audience. As Android continues to evolve, expect to see further innovations in text rendering and internationalization support, solidifying its position as a leading mobile platform.
