Could Android 15 finally bring a desktop version? Here’s what you should know

Google, last year, dropped hints at having a ‘full desktop mode’ for Android with its Pixel 8 lineup. In fact, the company had been working on it for a while, but the ‘display output’ on the handsets received an underwhelming response. However, a report by Android Authority suggests that a version in the work might drop soon. According to this report, Google has been improving the ‘desktop mode’ for Android in the background and plans to unveil it alongside Android 15. Here’s everything we have so far on the report: 

Android desktop app: What should you expect?

The report suggests how the app could primarily be for developers looking to test apps rather than users looking to ‘mirror’ their smartphones. While the desktop mode for Android existed since 2019, its results remained severely under-developed and lacked several features required for a full-fledged version. 

ALSO READ: Android 15 gets its first developer preview: Here’s what’s new

A video embedded within the report demonstrates how the Android 15 desktop app behaves similarly to that of a Windows or Linux system. Apart from displaying apps, it can minimise, maximise and snap to screen edges like any other desktop operating system. 

When can you expect the Android desktop app?

The Android desktop app, for now, may require a lot of fine-tuning. However, there may be more clarity regarding its availability during Google I/O 2024 in May. Several users have also speculated its arrival with the Google Pixel 9 series or in a completely unrelated launch later during the year. Until then, Android smartphones have multiple other third-party apps that could possibly offer a similar or a stronger desktop experience for those looking for support.