7mo ago

Android quietly enhances split-screen mode in preparation for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold

To better support portrait foldables like the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Android now allows apps to be put into left-right splits.

5 comments

TL;DR
Google recently updated Android to support putting apps into left-right splits.
This feature supports “portrait foldables,” such as the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
We discovered code that not only suggests this feature is being tested on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold but also reveals the

This feature seems entirely pointless, especially for this device (which should just be called the Pixel Fold 2).
Since the device is basically square (resolution 2,076 x 2,152) why would you not just rotate 90 degrees to change the side by side to top bottom like we can today?
- There are cameras and physical buttons that you might want to use on the phone, and the fold might make it nicer to hold in one orientation. Also, the limitation exists because splitting the apps across the shorter side can make very awkward layouts, at least on small phone screens - no such problem with a square. I see no reason not to have the option of both layouts no matter its physical orientation.
  I've never used a foldable though, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.