Native Android vs. KMP vs. Web - What's best for your career in 2026?

Summary

The video explores whether Android developers should shift to web development amid a tough job market. It highlights that while web development has higher demand, it also comes with greater competition, and switching fields without experience can be counterproductive. The creator emphasizes that native Android development still offers solid opportunities, especially for those who strive to be in the top 5% by deeply understanding modern Android technologies. KMP is promising but still too early as a primary career focus. The message encourages developers to invest in focused learning, improve their expertise, and take control of their career trajectory despite current economic challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The job market for developers in 2026 is tough, with higher competition, especially for web development roles.
• 😀 While web development has high demand, it also has increased competition, making it harder to secure a job compared to other fields.
• 😀 Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) offers the ability to build cross-platform apps but is still new and may not have as many job opportunities yet.
• 😀 Native Android development is mature but limited to Android apps only, with fewer cross-platform opportunities compared to web or KMP.
• 😀 Focus on building deep expertise in a specific field, such as native Android development, to stand out in the competitive job market.
• 😀 The ratio of demand to competition is a crucial factor when evaluating job opportunities—more demand often comes with more competition.
• 😀 Switching to web development purely for job opportunities can lead to unnecessary challenges if you lack prior experience.
• 😀 Becoming an expert in your field, such as the top 5% of Android developers, will make you more competitive and resilient to automation by AI.
• 😀 Even in a tough job market, there are still active job openings for Android developers. It's about being better than other applicants.
• 😀 The job market will eventually recover, but developers need to invest in themselves by improving their skills, learning new technologies, and seeking guidance.
• 😀 Mentorship and dedicated learning (10-15 hours a week) are key to improving your skills and achieving career growth, especially in niche fields like Android development.

Q & A

Why might Kotlin developers consider switching to web development in 2026?

Kotlin developers might consider switching to web development because there is a significantly higher demand for web developers globally. Web development includes both front-end and back-end, allowing for a broader range of opportunities, unlike Kotlin's focus on mobile and multiplatform development.

What are the main fields of development that the video discusses?

The video discusses three main fields: native Android development (using Kotlin), Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP), and web development, with a particular focus on the demand and job prospects in each.

What is Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP), and how does it compare to native Android development?

Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) allows developers to build apps for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, desktop, web) using a single codebase. In comparison, native Android development focuses only on Android, offering a more mature ecosystem but for a single platform. KMP is newer and offers great potential, but it has fewer job openings compared to native Android.

Why is web development considered to have higher demand compared to Kotlin and Android development?

Web development has higher demand because almost every business needs a website or web app, and this includes both front-end and back-end roles. The sheer volume of companies requiring web development services naturally leads to more job opportunities compared to Kotlin or Android-specific roles.

How does competition affect the job market in high-demand fields like web development?

Higher demand in a field often leads to more competition. While there may be more jobs in web development, there are also many more developers competing for those positions. This can make it harder to stand out and secure a job compared to fields with less competition.

What does the concept of 'demand to competition ratio' mean in the context of job searches?

The 'demand to competition ratio' refers to how many developers are competing for a job listing in a given field. A higher ratio means more competition, making it harder to land a job. Conversely, a lower ratio with fewer developers competing for a position can make it easier to secure a job.

Why might a Kotlin developer with Android experience find it easier to stay in native Android development rather than switch to web development?

A Kotlin developer with Android experience would have an advantage in native Android development because they already possess relevant skills. Switching to web development without experience in that field would require a steep learning curve, and the developer would need to compete with others who already have web development experience.

What is the current state of the job market for developers, according to the video?

The job market for developers is currently tough due to economic factors, including slowdowns in the tech industry and changes in software development needs. Companies are moving from pushing out new software to maintaining existing software, leading to fewer job openings for developers.

How does the economy affect the availability of developer jobs?

Economic downturns or slowdowns can lead to fewer job opportunities in software development. Companies may focus more on maintaining existing systems rather than creating new software, leading to a reduced need for developers. However, the video suggests that the economy will recover, and demand for software will continue.

What is the recommended approach for a developer looking for a job in the current market?

The recommended approach is to focus on becoming a top-tier developer in your field, particularly in areas like native Android development. By gaining deep expertise and mastering modern technologies, developers can make themselves stand out in a competitive job market. Simply switching fields for easier job prospects is not advised.