The iPad has undisputedly been the king of tablets for quite a while, but new rumors on Android 16 hint that Android tablets might just give it a run for its money, at least in terms of productivity. Some features that have been discovered on the developer preview of Android 16 are indicative of a multitasking revolution that could take the best Android tablets up a notch.
Triple Split-Screen Multitasking System
Google is reportedly working on a triple split-screen multitasking system for Android tablets, taking inspiration from the innovative OnePlus Open Canvas. This system, first introduced with the OnePlus Open foldable device in 2023, allows users to run three apps simultaneously. While two apps take most of the screen space, the third app sits in a smaller section to create a seamless multitasking experience.
During the second developer preview of Android 16, Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority found a new setting option entitled “flexible split-screen mode.” While still a bit rudimentary, it allowed a window to be dragged into split-screen mode and then placed in one of three positions. This suggests that Google has planned for three apps side by side all along, which would go a long way toward making tablets more usable.
App Pairing Boosts Productivity
This new split-screen functionality is expected to work well in conjunction with the app pairs feature of Android, allowing users to save specific app layouts for rapid access. Furthermore, Android 16 wants to let users have a more natural and tablet-native multitasking experience. It also works as a simpler counterpart to the windowing system on desktops that was unveiled in Android 15, where additional setup usually is required, and it can be better carried out on desktop-like displays.
Lessons from OnePlus Open Canvas
OnePlus Open Canvas set a new benchmark for multitasking when it launched with the OnePlus Open foldable and later appeared on the OnePlus Pad 2 tablet. It allows three apps to remain open in a swipeable carousel. The edge of the third app is always visible, making it easy to switch between them with a simple swipe.
This makes multitasking on larger screens much more practical, and Google seems to be taking a page from that book for its triple split-screen mode. The feature will probably stay exclusive to larger devices like tablets and foldables since it won’t translate well to smaller phone screens.
A Leap Forward for Android Tablets
If Google can pull this triple split-screen multitasking system off with Android 16, then it could mark a redefinition of the Android tablet experience. Already, current tablets like the Galaxy Tab S10 series and the Redmagic Nova gaming tablet sport impressive hardware, but better software-level productivity features might make them a fairer fight against Apple’s iPad lineup.
Conclusion
The potential introduction of a triple split-screen mode in Android 16 signals a major leap forward for Android tablets. By enhancing multitasking and productivity, Google could position its tablets as serious contenders in the productivity space. While dethroning the iPad remains a tall order, innovations like this bring Android tablets one step closer to achieving the impossible.
Source & Image: Android Authority
