Google to Bring Samsung DeX-Like Desktop Mode to Android 16

Google is preparing to release its next-generation mobile operating system, Android 16, next month. While the beta build already reveals what to expect from the big software update, some features remain hidden. One such feature is the Desktop Mode, which the company has been working on for a while now. Google recently confirmed that it built Android 16’s Desktop Mode on the foundation of Samsung DeX.

Google has built its own Desktop Mode on the foundation of Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX is a feature in Galaxy phones and tablets that gives you a desktop-like experience on an external display. You can connect your mobile device to a TV or monitor and use it like a computer. Thanks to the growing partnership between Google and Samsung, DeX will now be available in the form of Desktop Mode to other Android devices running the latest operating system.

At its recent I/O 2025 Developer Keynote, Google explained, “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.” We can expect that the upcoming Desktop Mode may resemble Samsung DeX as seen in the early One UI 8 build.

Google has also been making efforts to help developers build adaptive apps that work well across all form factors. As Android expands to new device form factors and adds enhancements like desktop windowing in Android 16, it’s more important than ever for apps to run smoothly on different screen sizes, the company said in a blog post. Building adaptive Android apps has become crucial as Google is introducing Desktop Mode with Android 16.

Earlier this month, we got our first look at Desktop Mode running on a Pixel device, though Google kept it hidden within developer options. This new mode adds a taskbar that lets you access your pinned apps and an enhanced version of the app drawer. It also makes multitasking easier by allowing you to open multiple apps in floating windows simultaneously.

While this might not be exciting news for Samsung Galaxy users, it’s great to see Google finally integrating a native desktop experience into Android, giving users of other Android devices access to Samsung DeX capabilities.