Android 16’s new desktop mode works on tablet screens but not foldables, Google confirms

Ben Schoon | Jun 11 2025 - 9:40 am PT

One of the big new features coming to Android 16 later this year is a new desktop mode that makes it possible for a phone to connect to a monitor and display a desktop-like environment with resizable apps and more. While tablets will be able to run this new desktop mode on their own displays, Google says that foldables running Android 16 will not get the same treatment.

As we discussed yesterday in our initial hands-on with this new feature, the idea of desktop mode in Android is not new in itself. Samsung’s DeX platform has made this possible for many users for years, and it’s also what helped bring this new native experience to life. Just like Samsung, though, Google apparently has no plans to let foldable users get in on the fun.

Android tablets running the latest update will be able to run a desktop-like environment on their native displays, as pictured above.

However, Google says this functionality won’t be available on foldables like its own Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

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That was confirmed to ArsTechnica, with Google explaining that foldables will be treated like phones, with the option to extend a desktop experience to an external monitor, but will be unable to run it on their own native display. As mentioned, Samsung does the same with DeX, with the on-device experience limited to tablets. Google also confirmed that, yes, this feature will only work on a device-by-device basis.

Google worked with Samsung to build on the latter’s Android windowing system, known as DeX. This will allow tablets to use floating windows more like a computer, which will make multitasking less of a pain.

Google tells Ars that despite the added screen real estate, foldables like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t have on-device windowing like tablets. Phones and foldables will only have the connected display option for the desktop interface. Additionally, it will be up to OEMs to support this feature. Google’s phones will support windowing, but some devices that ship with Android 16 will only have the standard display mirroring option for external screens.

While this limitation might be a little frustrating, it’s also somewhat understandable. Foldables may have much more screen real estate compared to a traditional smartphone, but it’s not quite at the same level as even a small tablet.

What do you think? Would you use desktop mode on a foldable?