• Google is adding a desktop mode to Android 16 featuring desktop windowing and support for connected displays.
• This desktop mode will be part of Android 16 QPR1, not the main release happening today, and will arrive later this year.
• Tablets will have native desktop windowing, while phones and foldables require an external display for a broader desktop experience.

For years, Samsung’s version of Android has had a significant edge over standard Android—a desktop mode. However, with Android 16, things are shifting, and now Pixel phones can look forward to a proper desktop mode.

Google is introducing a full desktop mode in Android 16. While it's not included in the initial Android 16 launch, it will become available on devices later this year. The new desktop mode centers around two features—desktop windowing and connected displays. Desktop windowing enables apps to appear within resizable windows.

This was first revealed at Google’s I/O 2025 event and was developed jointly with Samsung. As such, this isn't just a DeX clone but rather an official integration of similar functionality. It makes sense given Google and Samsung's existing collaboration on platforms like Wear OS. Since Samsung has mastered DeX over the years, it only makes sense that they would help guide this effort.

On tablets, desktop windowing should be available natively. For phones and foldables, connecting to an external display unlocks a more expansive desktop interface, letting you interact with Android as you would with a desktop computer. If you own a tablet, you’ll likely get the better experience since it can also act as the primary monitor when connected to additional displays. A pretty neat feature indeed.

Related ##### First Look at Google’s Unfinished DeX-Like Desktop Mode for Android

It’s been a long time coming.

Posts 3 This won’t be part of Android 16 at launch. Although the core operating system is being released into AOSP today and gradually reaching Google Pixel phones in a stable build, this major enhancement is among those set aside for Android 16 QPR1, along with updates like the Material 3 Expressive redesign. You’ll be able to access this on your phone later this year, though beta testers can already try it out via the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 build currently being distributed to compatible devices.

Currently, desktop windowing without an external display can be experienced on the Pixel Tablet, while other Pixel devices need to be hooked up to an external screen. Samsung tablets already come with DeX, so they may not gain much from this update. Still, it offers a foundation for other OEMs’ tablets to gain similar windowing capabilities.

If you're adventurous, consider checking out the latest Android beta, but most users should probably wait until the final version launches later in the year.

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