Kotlin Roadmap 2025-2026: What JetBrains Has in Store for Developers

Kotlin Development Roadmap for 2025-2026: Stability, Performance, and Multiplatform

The JetBrains team has published an updated development plan for the Kotlin language for 2025 and 2026. The roadmap covers three key areas: bringing the K2 compiler to an industry standard, large-scale improvements to Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP), and introducing new language constructs. We break down the main announcements and timelines.

K2: Stability and Performance

The main technological shift in recent years is the new K2 compiler. In 2025, it should become fully stable for JVM, JS, and Native targets. Expectations include:

• Faster compilation — up to 2-3 times faster compared to the current compiler (K1).
• Full compatibility with existing code and libraries.
• Improved error messages and more accurate code analysis.
• Optimization for Android — reduced build times in Gradle.

Work on new optimizations is planned for 2026, including an experimental mode for compiling to native code without a virtual machine.

Kotlin Multiplatform: Focus on the Ecosystem

Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) remains a priority project for JetBrains. In 2025-2026, the team promises:

• A stable Gradle plugin with support for parallel builds and caching.
• Improved iOS compatibility — direct work with Objective-C/Swift without intermediate bridges.
• Expansion of Kotlin/Wasm — full support for WebAssembly for browser and server applications.
• Integration with popular frameworks — Compose Multiplatform will become the recommended solution for UI on all platforms.

Also expected is the release of an official library registry for KMP, similar to Maven Central, but focused on multiplatform artifacts.

New Language Features

In addition to infrastructure changes, the language will receive several long-awaited capabilities:

• Stable value classes — optimization for wrapper types without additional allocations.
• Context receivers — declarative context passing to functions (an alternative to extension functions).
• Improved work with nullable types — new operators and compile-time checks.
• Pattern matching support — first experimental versions expected by the end of 2026.

Tools and IDE

JetBrains is also updating the development ecosystem. In 2025, IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio will receive:

• A new code inspector based on K2 — faster hints and refactoring.
• A built-in debugger for KMP — a single breakpoint for iOS and Android.
• Kotlin Script support in the IDE — autocompletion and highlighting for .kts files.

What Does This Mean for Developers?

The roadmap confirms that Kotlin is moving towards becoming a universal language for server, mobile, and web development. Key takeaways: