How 5 apps were redesigned for foldable phones

As the director of developer relations for Android, my team and I are dedicated to helping developers create high-quality apps for all of our devices. Over the years, we have witnessed screens becoming larger and more advanced, prompting us to explore the most effective ways for apps to optimize for these bigger screens. With the recent introduction of foldable smartphones like the Pixel Fold and tablets like the Pixel Tablet, apps can now operate in entirely new ways that take full advantage of this unique hardware.

To ensure that apps are making the most of the extra screen space on large screen Android devices, we have established three design principles that developers can follow. Firstly, the implementation of two-pane layouts allows for content to be displayed across two columns, enabling users to view more content across the unfolded, larger screen without the need for excessive taps or context loss. This design feature enhances the user experience and provides greater functionality.

Secondly, app continuity on foldable phones ensures a seamless transition from a folded to unfolded orientation. This means that users can expect apps to adapt and adjust to different screen sizes and orientations effortlessly. This feature is particularly important for foldable devices, as it allows for a continuous and uninterrupted experience, regardless of how the device is being used.

Lastly, responsive layouts are crucial for accommodating the changing screen sizes that come with using apps in split-screen mode. As users multitask and use two apps simultaneously in split-screen mode, content and controls need to be able to resize and adapt accordingly. By implementing responsive layouts, developers can ensure that their apps remain functional and visually appealing no matter how the screen size changes.

During the recent Google I/O event in 2023, Android announced that more than 50 Google apps, as well as many other popular apps, have been optimized for large screens. This demonstrates our commitment to providing users with a wide range of apps that deliver excellent performance and usability on these devices.

Today, we would like to highlight five apps that have successfully implemented these important design principles for foldable devices. These apps include SideChef, LINE, Deezer, Google Weather, and Google Keep. Each of these apps offers a unique and optimized experience for users on large screen Android devices, ensuring that they can take full advantage of the enhanced capabilities of their devices.

In conclusion, the director of developer relations for Android is dedicated to enabling developers to create high-quality apps for all Android devices. With the introduction of larger screens and foldable devices, our team has identified three design principles that can help apps optimize their functionality on these devices. Additionally, we are proud to announce that numerous Google apps and popular apps have already been optimized for large screens. By implementing these design principles and exploring the featured apps, users can experience the full potential of their large screen Android devices.

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