In 2017, Samsung made waves in the mobile industry by launching DeX, a technology that allows users to connect their Galaxy flagship phones to external displays for a desktop-like experience. Initially offering basic features, DeX has evolved significantly over the years, with wireless connectivity now available on select devices. This advancement has sparked speculation that Android users may soon enjoy a native desktop mode.

The long-awaited desktop mode has been a topic of interest among Android users for quite some time. Recently, it appears that Google has recognized the value of this feature and is actively developing its version. In March, Android Authority reported the first indications of this new native desktop mode with an “Enable desktop experience features” toggle found in developer options.

Although this option was not functional at the time, development has progressed, and it now seems that an early, working version is being tested. While this early version is promising, it is still in its infancy and may differ significantly from the final release. Reports suggest that Google is unlikely to introduce this feature in Android 16, but it may be ready for announcement alongside Android 17 in 2026.

The anticipated desktop mode is expected to include a taskbar and a classic status bar that display essential indicators, notifications, and shortcuts. The taskbar is designed to enhance productivity, allowing users to pin favorite apps and quickly access recently used applications. The desktop mode should also incorporate support for floating windows, enabling users to open multiple apps simultaneously and customize their sizes and positions.

Moreover, it seems that Google is building on the “desktop windowing” feature available on Android tablets running version 15. In contrast to this feature, the forthcoming desktop mode is likely to support multiple external displays and be compatible with phones as well. Overall, these leaks indicate a potential game-changer for Android, fulfilling the long-standing requests for a proper desktop mode in this widely-used mobile operating system.