Google Has Announced that Android Phone Users will only be able to test the new desktop mode feature in Android 16. The update, reveled during the google I/o 2025 devaloper conference, will bring Functionality to Android Devices when Connected to External Displays. This feature will roll out in a future Quarterly Beta release of Android 16.
Android 16 brings desktop mode to phones
The desktop mode builds on earlier work introduced in Android 15 for tablets, where google first experienced with freezing systems. Android 16 will expand this approach by adapting theose windowing tools for use on external monitors. The System Includes a Taskbar for Launching Pinned or Recent Apps in Resident Windows, Creating a Layout Similar to a Traditional Desktop Environment.
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DURING The Developer Keynote, Google Confirmed its collaboration with samsung to enhance this functionality. The team used the foundation of samsung's dex platform to create a system that supports multitasking and independent operation of internal and external displays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjvgtwsocao
Android 16 will also also introduce platform-level support for connected displays. According to google, this support will be part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and will appear in the upcoming development developer Previews.
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Upcoming beta and key features
Francesco romano, a developer relations engineer at google, confirmed that these updates will appear in Android 16 QPR1's upcoming beta versions. The new features allow devices to manage two displays independent. Apps will remain specific to each screen, and users can shift windows, content, and the mouse cursor between them.
Additional Technical Details Shared during the Conference Include a Minimum Window Size of 386 x 352 DP, Support for Custom App Headers, and the Ability for Desktop Sessions to Extend ACROSS BOTH Internal and external displays when compatible devices are used.
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While Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 Does Not Yet Include these tools, Google Confirmed that a Developer Preview Supporting External Display Functions and Desktop Windoving will Arrive Shortly. These changes aim to improve production by turning android phones into more versatiles tools when paired with larger screens.