Nearly half of Pixel Fold owners use split-screen mode

Android’s work to optimize apps for large screens continues at I/O 2024, with Google sharing a stat about split-screen usage on the Pixel Fold.  

During the “Increase user productivity with large screens & accessories” I/O 2024 session, Google shared how 47% of “Pixel Fold users use split-screen mode.”

We know that users love split screen for multitasking. Many of our Pixel Fold monthly active users use it to be more productive.

One data point makes it hard to determine whether that figure is high or low. Some things to consider would be how dual-pane layouts, like Gmail, might encourage people to use apps in fullscreen mode, while you’d want the biggest window possible when watching video or gaming.

Stats from the Pixel Tablet would be interesting.

Meanwhile, Google’s third-party outreach comes as Android 15 Beta 2 finally introduces the ability to save app pairs. On tablets and foldables, you access it by creating a pairing and then going to the Recents multitasking menu for “Save app pair.” 

Google only talked about this feature in the context of “large screen devices,” but it’s also available on phones as of the second beta. Instead of a button at the bottom of your screen, you have to tap the side-by-side apps at the top for the option. It’s unclear if this is intentional, or will be removed ahead of the public launch.