Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Switch 2 Pre-Orders Computex 2025 Best laptops Best Mattress Wordle Today Recommended reading Android Phones Android 16 design changes just got leaked by Google itself — here's the new look Android Phones Android 16 redesign revealed in massive leak — how real is it? Android Phones Android Show I/O Edition preview: All announcements we're expecting Android Phones Google Gemini's biggest UI issue could be getting fixed — here's how Android Phones Android 16's new design is getting expressive and reactive — here's what's changing Google Phones Google I/O 2025: Date, event details, AI announcements and everything else you need to know Samsung Phones Android 16 release schedule comes into focus — and that could mean an earlier update for Samsung phones Android Phones Android 16 desktop mode — Google's best-kept secret got a quiet reveal at I/O Scott Younker 21 May 2025 Android 16 will introduce "desktop windowing" When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Google) During all the excitement of Google's annual I/O 2025, you may have missed the more technical developer keynote where Google revealed that it's been working on a desktop mode for Android 16. You can watch the part of the live stream here where it's revealed. Engineering manager Florina Muntenescu confirmed that the company is working with Samsung since the new mode is "building on the foundation" of the DeX platform, available on Samsung's Galaxy phones. "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," the company said. You may like Android 16 design changes just got leaked by Google itself — here's the new look Android 16 redesign revealed in massive leak — how real is it? Android Show I/O Edition preview: All announcements we're expecting We've said that Pixel 9 Pro phones already have a hidden desktop mode that is one of Google's best kept secrets that needs to be on all Android devices. This quiet tease makes it more of a reality. We’ve been collaborating with Samsung, building on the foundation of Samsung DeXGoogle After the keynote, Google posted a blog about adaptive Android apps where the company said, "an app's ability to seamlessly adapt to different screen sizes is becoming increasingly crucial." We've known for while that Google is working a version of DeX as previously leaked Android 16 code revealed a desktop mode that was turned off by default. At the same time, a version of Samsung DeX was discovered in One UI 8 test builds that appeared to take advantage of the Android 16 Material 3 Express redesign. (Image credit: DevOfIpos) Of course, last April there were reports that Android 15 builds had a work-in-progress desktop mode but that feature never released and Google didn't talk publicly about desktop mode like it did at I/O this year. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Currently, desktop mode is still turned off in Android 16 beta builds, and it's not clear when the Google and Samsung collaboration will actually release. Nonetheless, this would be one step closer in giving people more access to this helpful tool. More from Tom's Guide Google Gemini can now access your Gmail and Docs — here’s why that matters Android Auto is getting support for web browsers — but is that a good idea? Google's May update could be causing battery life issues in Pixel phones — here's what we know Today's best Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9a, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL andGoogle Pixel 9 Pro Fold deals 13 Amazon customer reviews Deal ends Tue, May 27, 2025 $799Preorder $799.99View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices See more Phones News Scott Younker Social Links Navigation West Coast Reporter Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Android 16 design changes just got leaked by Google itself — here's the new look Android 16 redesign revealed in massive leak — how real is it? Android Show I/O Edition preview: All announcements we're expecting Google Gemini's biggest UI issue could be getting fixed — here's how Android 16's new design is getting expressive and reactive — here's what's changing Google I/O 2025: Date, event details, AI announcements and everything else you need to know Latest in Android Phones Google's May update could be causing battery life issues in Pixel phones — here's what we know Android Auto is getting support for web browsers — but is that a good idea? 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