• Google is actively developing a desktop mode for Android, offering a PC-like experience on external displays.
• The desktop mode includes features like a taskbar, app drawer, window management, and improved multitasking.
• The release date is uncertain; it may arrive in a later Android 16 update or be delayed until Android 17.

Google is developing a desktop mode for Android, aiming to provide users with a PC-like experience when connecting their phones to external displays. This feature includes elements such as a taskbar for easy access to pinned and recent apps, a start-menu style app drawer, and the ability to launch multiple apps in resizable, floating windows. The development of this mode seeks to unify Android's desktop operating efforts and potentially standardize the experience across different manufacturers. While the release timeline remains unclear, the feature demonstrates Android's expanding capabilities and its potential to blur the lines between mobile and desktop computing.

• What: Google is developing a desktop mode for Android 16 that allows users to connect their phones to external displays and use them as PCs, featuring a taskbar, app drawer, and window management.
• Who: Google is the primary developer, with insights and leaks provided by Mishaal Rahman. Samsung is adapting its DeX platform.
• When: The feature is in development, with a possible release in a later Android 16 update or Android 17. Early versions were spotted in Android 16 beta builds in May 2025.
• Where: The feature is being developed for Android devices, specifically Pixel phones, and aims to function when connected to external displays via USB-C.

The development of Android's desktop mode signifies Google's intention to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop computing. By providing a PC-like experience on external displays, Google aims to enhance productivity and multitasking capabilities for Android users. The feature's similarity to Samsung's DeX suggests a standardization effort, potentially encouraging wider adoption across different manufacturers. However, the strategic fit within Google's ecosystem, particularly concerning ChromeOS, remains a key question. The success of this feature hinges on Google's commitment to refining the experience and addressing the specific needs of phone users on external displays.

Android 16's desktop mode is poised to revolutionize mobile productivity by blurring the lines between smartphone and desktop functionality, offering a versatile computing solution for a wider range of devices. This native feature, unlike Samsung DeX, is being integrated directly into Android, democratizing the desktop experience and empowering device makers. Users can anticipate a familiar desktop environment with a taskbar, app drawer, and status bar, facilitating intuitive multitasking. The ability to launch multiple apps in resizable, floating windows and seamlessly drag and drop content between them further enhances productivity. While the official release date remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a launch with Android 16 to a later release in Android 17, its potential impact on the Android ecosystem and the future of mobile computing is substantial.