Google is working with Samsung to bring a desktop mode to Android 16. At the Google I/O developer conference, engineering manager Florina Muntenescu announced that the new mode would be based on Samsung DeX “to bring advanced windowing capabilities to Android 16.”
During the event, Google demonstrated a prototype of the upcoming desktop mode, which closely resembles Samsung DeX. This feature is known for automatically transitioning the smartphone interface to a desktop-like layout when connected to an external monitor. In the Android 16 demo, apps were shown pinned to a taskbar at the bottom of the screen, while the windows themselves could be moved and resized freely. The status elements such as time, Wi-Fi signal, and battery level appeared in their expected corners—top left and top right, respectively.
This integration signals Google’s broader efforts to make Android more adaptable to different screen types and use cases. According to Google, the focus on adaptability in Android 16 will help ensure app functionality across a wide range of devices. This includes foldables, tablets, Chromebooks, mixed reality wearables, and even in-car infotainment systems. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
Building on Samsung DeX and Preparing for Change
Hints of this new feature appeared earlier, in March 2025, when Android Authority reported on Google’s desktop mode ambitions, reminds NIX Solutions. The outlet showcased an early version of desktop mode running on a Pixel device. At that stage, the native Android desktop experience was still far behind Samsung DeX in terms of usability and features—let alone compared to traditional desktop operating systems.
Samsung has played a pioneering role in this area, having introduced DeX in 2017. However, in a November 2024 statement, the company revealed plans to discontinue the DeX app for Windows with the release of One UI 7. “DeX support for Windows PCs will end with the release of One UI 7. We encourage users to connect their devices to their PC via Link to Windows,” the company said.
Google’s decision to collaborate with Samsung and invest in native desktop functionality may help ensure a smoother transition for users affected by this shift. With Android 16, Google seems committed to enhancing the operating system’s versatility across platforms.