Android 16 may take multitasking to the next level with ‘bubbles’

For many, multi-tasking on Android has been superior thanks to many features like split-screen, which allows you to run multiple apps side-by-side. This is really handy in the case of larger phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which offer a lot of screen-space for two apps to run.

However, a new feature currently in the pipeline suggests that Google’s popular operating system may take its multi-tasking approach a notch higher with one, rather simple feature – bubbles.

ALSO READ: Android’s new security features make your phone hard to steal

The feature, spotted first by Android Authority, suggests that the next Android version may allow users to run any app in a ‘bubble’ format which will allow the app to run in one portion of the screen.

The size and position of this portion will be adjustable, allowing users to run a couple (or more) bubbles and switch between them efficiently. This will be closer to how many use the windows on Windows-based laptops and desktops.

Where the ‘Bubbles’ approach comes from

The feature is a sort of spin-off on the Android chat bubbles feature (first introduced with smartphones on Android 11), which uses an API to run chat bubbles for multiple messaging apps, from the stock Google Messages apps to select third party apps like Meta’s Messenger.

The ability to bubble your conversations, sometimes across apps, allowed users to efficiently take part in multiple conversations and switch between them, all without leaving their current app.

With the feature now set to come to Android 16 for all apps and not just instant messaging ones, multitasking should become much more intuitive. Of course, we will only be able to test this when the first betas come for phones like the Google Pixel 9.

Many OEM skins like OnePlus’ OxygenOS allow you to do this with most apps thanks to a brand-specific implementation. However, native support for the same would allow even more apps to support the feature, along with support for brands that use stock Android like the Google Pixel series, or stock-like skins like the Nothing smartphones.