Google continues to work on expanding multitasking on Android phones. It has been revealed that the company is testing a feature called the ‘Android Bubble Bar.’ This feature works completely differently from the current split-screen mode. It also allows for easier switching between multiple apps.
Google’s new Android Bubble Bar feature will make multitasking easier
Multitasking on Android smartphones can be quite frustrating, especially on models with smaller screens. Most devices have a split-screen mode that lets you place two apps side by side. They also have a bubble feature that opens certain apps as floating windows.
However, these methods are only useful for switching between two apps. When used with three or more apps, productivity drops significantly.
It seems that Google is preparing to make a significant move. Some sources have discovered an essential hint in the Android 16 Beta 4 version. According to the findings, the company is developing a feature that will enable any app to be opened in a bubble on Android smartphones and accessed from a new bubble bar.
The new Bubble Bar feature that Google is testing will surpass existing functions, such as split-screen mode in multitasking, thanks to its integration with the ‘Bubble Anything’ feature.
Google is expected to introduce this feature with the Android 16 update. It is also reported that the company is developing different categories of bubbles to make it easier for users to choose. However, this has not been confirmed yet.
When will Android 16 be released?
Google continues to work on Android 16. The company released the first developer preview of the new version on November 19, 2024, followed by a second developer preview on December 18, 2024. The company then released beta updates after these.
Google released the first Android 16 Beta on January 23, 2025. It followed up with the second version on February 13, 2025. Then, on March 13, 2025, the tech giant officially launched the third version. The fourth version also arrived in previous weeks. Finally, the stable version is expected to arrive in early June.
