Android 16 is on the horizon, and it could bring a big redesign. During Google I/O 2025, the company debuted some interesting news about Android 16, and some of it dealt with the upcoming desktop mode. Well, according to a new report, Google will allow users to test out the desktop mode in Android 16. So, people will be able to see what it’s all about before the launch.

The desktop mode in Android 16 is not particularly new information. Google has been working on a DeX-like experience in Android for quite some time. When using larger display devices, users will be able to summon a desktop-like interface that more closely resembles Chrome OS. When you open an app, it will open in a windowed mode rather than filling up the entire screen. 

Also, some of the UI elements, like the time, will be moved to different locations in the UI. Lastly, each app window will have buttons similar to those on a Windows PC. So, the top right corner of the window will have the exit, minimize, and window mode buttons. Google gave us some more information about this mode during Google I/O, and it revealed that it collaborated with Samsung to make it possible. This makes sense, as Samsung Dex is pretty much the definitive Android desktop mode.

Google could let you try out the Android 16 desktop mode soon

Google not only announced the desktop mode for large-screen devices. The company also announced an enhanced desktop mode for devices connected to external displays. This was the initial incarnation of Samsung Dex. Users will be able to connect their phone to an external display and project a desktop-like experience with their phone acting as the computer. 

This concept isn’t exactly new, but it is still extremely useful. Also, if a person connects a tablet to an external display, it will create a dual-screen experience. So, the user will be able to use both the external display and the tablet’s internal display. They will operate independently of one another. This means that you’ll be able to run different apps on the displays. It will be just like connecting your computer to multiple displays.

If you’re excited about this, then you won’t have to wait for much longer. Google announced that it will soon let people try out the desktop mode in a future Android 16 QPR1 Beta release for Pixel devices. We don’t know when that is going to happen exactly. However, we know that it is going to be a part of this current QPR. So, we know that it will land before QPR2.