In a significant development for the mobile computing landscape, Google has confirmed that Android 16 will feature a new desktop mode built on the foundation of Samsung’s DeX platform, signaling a deeper collaboration between two tech giants aiming to redefine how smartphones integrate with desktop environments.

This move, unveiled at Google I/O 2025, marks a pivotal step toward bridging the gap between mobile and traditional PC experiences, a vision that has long been a niche but ambitious goal in the Android ecosystem. As reported by Android Police, this partnership leverages Samsung’s years of expertise with DeX—a feature that transforms Samsung devices into desktop-like workstations when connected to external displays—to create a standardized desktop experience across Android devices.

Samsung DeX, introduced in 2017 with the Galaxy S8, allows users to connect their smartphones to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, effectively turning the device into a lightweight computer. It has been a standout feature for Samsung, catering to professionals and power users who value portability without sacrificing productivity. However, DeX has remained exclusive to Samsung’s ecosystem, leaving other Android users without a comparable native solution. Google’s decision to integrate DeX’s underlying framework into Android 16 suggests a future where this capability could become a core part of the Android operating system, accessible to a broader range of devices and manufacturers.

According to details shared by Android Police, Google’s desktop mode will focus on delivering a “true” desktop-like experience, with advancements in windowing capabilities that allow apps to adapt seamlessly to larger screens. This means users could run multiple applications in resizable windows, mimicking the multitasking flexibility of traditional operating systems like Windows or macOS. Such functionality is a direct evolution of Samsung’s DeX, which already supports multi-window interfaces and app optimization for larger displays. Google’s involvement, however, aims to standardize and refine this experience, potentially addressing some of DeX’s limitations, such as inconsistent app compatibility and hardware requirements.

Industry insiders see this as a strategic move by Google to position Android as a viable alternative to Chrome OS in hybrid computing scenarios, especially as foldable devices and high-powered smartphones blur the lines between phones and laptops. By partnering with Samsung, Google taps into a proven technology while avoiding the pitfalls of building a desktop mode from scratch. Yet, questions remain about how this feature will roll out across diverse Android hardware and whether non-Samsung manufacturers will embrace it with the same enthusiasm. There’s also the challenge of app developers optimizing their software for desktop use—a hurdle Samsung has faced with DeX adoption.

As Android 16’s release approaches, likely in late 2025 or early 2026, the tech community is watching closely to see if this collaboration can deliver a cohesive, universal desktop experience. If successful, it could redefine productivity on mobile devices, turning Android into a serious contender in the converged computing space. For now, Google and Samsung’s united front, as highlighted by Android Police, offers a promising glimpse into a future where your smartphone might just be the only computer you need.