Google Working on Android Desktop Mode That Lets Users Turn Phones into Laptops

Google is reportedly working on a new Android Desktop Mode that allows users to connect their smartphone to an external display and use it like a laptop or desktop computer.

The feature was first spotted by Android Authority and is not expected to launch with the upcoming Android 16 stable release. It may arrive in one of the quarterly releases of Android 16 or possibly as part of Android 17, according to the report.

Android’s Desktop Mode appears similar to Samsung DeX, which enables Samsung users to connect their phones to an external display for a desktop-like experience.

In this mode, the status bar is displayed at the top and the taskbar at the bottom. The status bar lets users view Wi-Fi and signal indicators, while the taskbar allows users to pin apps for easy access. It also includes an enhanced version of the app drawer, with navigation buttons located at the right end of the taskbar.

Apps run in windowed mode, allowing users to move or snap them to the left or right sides of the screen.

Back in March, Android Authority reported that Google was developing a new developer option specifically for Android Desktop Mode.