Android 16 Adds Native Desktop Mode for Phones and Tablets with External Display Support
Google is bringing a major new feature to Android 16, and it’s one that could completely change how you use your phone or tablet: native desktop-style windowing when connected to an external display.
This isn’t a leaked rumor, Google officially confirmed the upgrade during its 2025 developer keynote – which was picked up by 9to5Google – and it’s one of the most exciting features coming to Android users later this year.
Built in Partnership with Samsung
If this sounds familiar, it’s because Samsung DeX has been doing something similar for years. But this time, it’s baked directly into Android 16, and Google says the feature was developed in collaboration with Samsung to build on the DeX foundation.
…we’ve been collaborating with Samsung, building on the foundation of Samsung DeX, to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16 for more powerful productivity workflows.
That means a plethora of Android devices, not just Samsung ones, could soon offer a DeX-like experience out of the box.
Resizable Windows and an App Dock
The demo showed resizable windows, a persistent app dock, and multi-window support, basically everything you’d expect from a lightweight desktop experience.
You could run YouTube in one window while writing notes in another, drag-and-drop between apps, or manage a spreadsheet without constantly switching screens.
It’s clear that productivity on Android is getting a serious upgrade, and tablets are about to become even more laptop-like.
Who Will Actually Get It?
Right now, support will vary by device manufacturer. While Android 16 includes the desktop interface framework, it’s up to phone makers to enable the feature and developers to optimize their apps.
Samsung will almost certainly support it, given its role in development. Other premium Android makers like Google (Pixel), OnePlus, and Motorola may follow suit.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a gimmick, it’s part of Google’s push to make Android more adaptable, especially on larger screens. As foldables and tablets continue gaining traction in 2025, this move makes Android more competitive with desktop-class operating systems like ChromeOS and even iPadOS.
What Do I Think?
For now, this feature is still in early stages, but once Android 16 lands later this year, expect to see phones and tablets doing double duty as productivity machines. iOS 19 is already expected to bring a lite Stage Manager feature to the iPhone, so Android 16’s ability to turn your smartphone into a laptop of sorts, comes just in time. How will the two compare though? Stay tuned for that showdown!
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