What Codename One is, its Java and Kotlin cross-platform mobile framework, 2026 cloud build pricing, key features, pros, cons and FAQs.
Category
Automation
Pricing
Open-source core framework (free) plus optional paid cloud build service tiers priced per developer seat, from Free (100 build credits per month); paid plans start at $25 per month (Basic)
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2012
Headquarters
Not publicly disclosed
From Sun Microsystems LWUIT to Codename One
Codename One was founded in January 2012 by Chen Fishbein and Shai Almog, former Sun Microsystems engineers who in 2007 created the Lightweight User Interface Toolkit to simplify Java ME mobile development.
After leaving Oracle, the pair built Codename One as an independent, free alternative to proprietary cross-platform tools, and its 2012 beta release quickly passed 100,000 SDK downloads.
Write Once, Run Anywhere: The Technical Model
Codename One combines a portable application runtime and UI toolkit with native compilers, per-platform ports, and direct access to native SDK capabilities, letting one Java or Kotlin codebase target iOS, Android, desktop, web, and more.
Its cloud build servers compile Java bytecode into native iOS binaries, letting developers on Windows or Linux build native iOS apps without owning a Mac.
Free Framework, Paid Cloud Build Tiers
The core framework is free, open source, and carries no royalties or per-app fees for commercial or non-commercial use.
The optional cloud build service is priced per developer seat across Free, Basic, Pro, and Enterprise tiers, scaling build credits, push notification volume, submission automation, and support level.
Key Features
Single Java/Kotlin codebase for multiple platforms — Targets iOS, Android, desktop, and web from one codebase.
Cloud build servers — Produce native iOS binaries without requiring a Mac, from Windows or Linux.
Device simulator — Test applications locally before running a native cloud build.
Visual theme and UI builder — Design tools for building and customizing app interfaces.
Native SDK access — Java and Kotlin code can call native platform SDK capabilities directly.
IDE integrations — Works with common Java development environments.
In-app commerce validation — Validates in-app purchases up to plan-specific monthly limits.
Scaled push notifications — Delivers push notifications at volumes that scale with the paid plan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Core framework is fully open source with no royalties or per-app fees
Cloud build service enables native iOS builds from Windows or Linux
Long track record dating to 2012, with roots in Sun Microsystems' LWUIT
Lets existing Java and Kotlin teams reach mobile without learning new languages
Tiered pricing scales from a free evaluation tier to enterprise support
Cons
Java and Kotlin UI paradigm is less mainstream for mobile today than Swift, Kotlin-native, or Flutter and Dart
Smaller community and hiring pool than Flutter or React Native
Company headquarters and team size are not publicly disclosed
Free tier's build-credit limits make it unsuitable for active development
Native look-and-feel parity requires more manual theming than some modern frameworks
Pricing
Free $0 monthly
Basic $25 per month ($300 per year annual) monthly or annual
Pro $85 per month ($1020 per year annual) monthly or annual
Enterprise $450 per month ($5400 per year annual) monthly or annual
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages does Codename One use?
Java and Kotlin.
Is Codename One free?
The core framework is open source and free; the optional cloud build service has paid tiers.
Can I build iOS apps on Windows or Linux with Codename One?
Yes, via its cloud build service, without owning a Mac.
Who created Codename One?
Chen Fishbein and Shai Almog, in 2012.
What platforms does Codename One target?
iOS, Android, desktop, web, and other device categories.
Does Codename One charge royalties on commercial apps?
No, there are no royalties or per-app fees.
What is included in the Free cloud build plan?
100 build credits per month, with an 8.5MB user JAR size limit.
Is there a money-back guarantee on paid plans?
Yes, a 30-day money-back guarantee applies to paid plans.