Android Desktop Mode will reportedly debut with Android 17 on Pixel and may offer multitasking capabilities

 

Google has been rumored to be working on a new dedicated first-party desktop mode for Android phones and tablets for years, and it might be closer to release than ever before. According to a fresh leak, the feature, known as Android Desktop Mode, was originally scheduled to debut with Android 16 this year but may instead be released with Android 17. It is expected to have features similar to Samsung DeX and Motorola Connect, allowing users to resize windows and rapidly switch between mobile and desktop interfaces.

Launch Android Desktop Mode
Mishaal Rahman, a tipster, gave data concerning the Android Desktop Mode during a recent livestream on X (previously Twitter). The new desktop experience may allow consumers to take use of larger screens on their phones. When a phone, especially a Pixel, is linked to an external display, like as a laptop, via USB Type-C, it may provide a desktop interface.

Android Faithful #93 - Android is getting a BIG UI overhaul, plus Desktop Mode?! https://t.co/724MoPVqqu

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 7, 2025

The Android Desktop Mode is reported to provide multitasking features, including the ability to resize and move windows around. There may also be standard desktop-like functionality, such as an app management system, the ability to switch between mobile and desktop interfaces, and other navigation components.

Previously, this new desktop experience was expected to debut with Android 16. The most recent Android 16 beta release even included a new developer option called "Enable desktop experience features". When connected to a laptop with a Pixel running the aforementioned beta, the functionality exhibited the typical Android taskbar, three-button navigation access, and other choices.

However, its release may be postponed. According to Rahman, Google needs more time to refine the feature's user interface, thus it may not be released with Android 16. Instead, the functionality is expected to appear with Android 17 on the next generation of Pixel smartphones.

Previous rumors indicate that the desktop mode may have a taskbar with pinned applications like as Phone, Messages, Camera, Chrome, and the app drawer. It might also show recent applications.