Latest Blog Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Exciting New App Development Trends for Larger Screens

Introducing the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold-a new chapter for android app developers. Get ready to create apps more immersive than ever before. Imagine playing games or watching movies on its massive, expansive display, what an exciting experience.

But its not just about entertainment. The Pixel Pro 9-Fold can do so much more. You can manage multiple tasks, collaborate with others and become more productive than ever before.

Key Takeaways:

• Big screens equal to big opportunities. With a screen this huge, you have plenty of space to create unique experiences.
• Introduce responsive layouts. Design your apps to look great on all screen sizes.
• Table-top mode is the star of the show, a brand-new dimension for app development.

The Google Pixel Pro 9:

Google just launched their new foldable, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, powered with Gemini. The device is making waves in the tech world for being the thinnest foldable phone that too having largest inner display ever* (on a phone).

Image: Google Android Developers

Pixel Pro Fold incorporates the best of google hardware and software into a sleek design, a powerful camera, multiple screens and the advanced Tensor G4 processor.

It has a stunning fluid-friction hinge that opens fully flat with a satisfying snap, so users can enjoy the big bright Super Actua display. It is 80% brighter than the last year’s Pixel Fold and feels just like a regular phone when folded.

Image Credits: Google Android Developers

Users will now have the flexibility to engage and multitask depending on the screen side they are using; the 6.3-inch front display or the 7.6-inch inner dsiplay. This means there are multiple different layouts, developers should be mindful of.

Getting Started with Large Displays:

Like we said before, large screens expand your android app development opportunities to tenfold. They support extraordinary productivity, immersive user experiences, and multitasking.

Image Credit: Google Pixel

But as screens continue to grow in size, developers are faced with the challenge of designing and building apps that effectively make use of this expansive canvas.

Let’s explore key considerations and best practices for app development on larger screens.

Developing Apps for Pixel 9 Pro:

If developers want their app look great on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, they need to make responsive and adaptive layouts. This means they should design applications in such a manner that they look good in all four postures: inner, front, tabletop and tent. And not just look good, but also has functional features according to the screen size.

To do this, they can use WindowSizeClasses to define different layouts for different screen sizes. It will help your app adapt to changes like folding, unfolding, or resizing.

Also, Google I/O 2024 introduced new Compose APIs that makes it even easier to create adaptive layouts. Using the NavigationSuiteScaffold, ListDetailPaneScaffold and SupportingPaneScaffold components you can build apps accommodating all screen sizes.

If you want your app to do perform even better, you should brainstorm new UX/UI designs on tabletop mode. When the phone is half-folded sitting on a surface.

You can use the Jetpack WindowManager library to check if the phone is in tabletop mode. Then, you can change your app’s layout to make it work better.

For example, media apps can show audio information or a video on the top part of the screen and controls on the bottom part.

Even gaming apps are taking advantage foldable phone layouts. With racing games like Asphalt Legends Unite and Disney Speedstorm and action ones like Modern Combat and Dungeon Hunter 5, Gameloft lets players play in both full screen and split-view tabletop modes.

These games have cool features like detailed maps and better controls, letting you fully immerse yourself in the gameplay; drift around corners, level up characters and vanquish enemies like they never existed!

Asphalt Legends Unite (Gameloft)

FAQ’s – Pixel 9 Pro Fold

1. What is the new app development trend for foldable devices?

The new app development trend is focused on creating apps that are optimized for foldable screens, specifically designed to take advantage of the unique form factor of foldable devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Developers are building apps that work across multiple screen sizes, can split into multiple panels for multitasking, and adapt to different folding angles.

2. How are apps for foldable devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold different from regular apps?

Apps for foldable devices are designed to be more dynamic and adaptive. They support multiple orientations (folded, partially folded, and fully unfolded), allow for multitasking in split-screen mode, and may use multiple windows to display different content simultaneously. These apps are optimized to transition smoothly as the device changes between its folded and unfolded states.

3. Why is app development for foldable devices becoming a trend?

With the rise of foldable smartphones like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, users are demanding apps that take advantage of the larger, flexible screens. Foldable devices offer more screen real estate, which opens up new possibilities for productivity, gaming, and immersive experiences. This has led to a growing demand for apps that fully utilize foldable screens, prompting developers to create new experiences for this market.

4. What are the benefits of developing apps specifically for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

Developers who create apps specifically for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can offer users a more fluid and engaging experience. Benefits include:

• Multitasking: Apps can display multiple panels or windows simultaneously for enhanced productivity.
• Improved user experience: Apps that adapt to folding angles and screen transitions provide smoother interactions.
• Increased screen space: Unfolded apps can offer more immersive views for gaming, reading, and media consumption.

5. How does the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s hardware impact app development?

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s advanced hardware, including its flexible OLED screen, powerful processor, and support for multiple cameras, provides developers with a rich platform for building apps. The hardware enables more complex multitasking, enhanced graphics, and immersive experiences, especially for apps that leverage the foldable screen format.

6. What features should developers consider when building apps for foldable devices?

When building apps for foldable devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, developers should consider:

• Screen transitions: Smoothly transitioning content when the device is folded or unfolded.
• Multi-window support: Allowing users to run multiple apps or views side by side.
• Adaptive layouts: Designing flexible UI layouts that can adjust to different screen sizes and aspect ratios.
• Battery efficiency: Ensuring apps don’t over-consume resources when using multiple screens or modes.

7. What are some popular apps that have been optimized for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

Popular apps like Google Maps, YouTube, Microsoft Office, and certain gaming apps have been optimized to support foldable screens, offering split-view features, enhanced productivity, and better content consumption. These apps adapt to the foldable format, allowing users to use two apps at once or see more content when the device is unfolded.

8. What tools and frameworks are available for developers working on Pixel 9 Pro Fold apps?

Google provides a set of tools and frameworks for developing apps for foldable devices. Android’s development environment, Android Studio, includes foldable device emulators, APIs for handling screen transitions, and guidance on optimizing UI and UX for multi-window support. Developers can also use Jetpack Window Manager to manage different folding states and adapt layouts accordingly.

Conclusion:

Imagine your app on the new Google Pixel 9 Pro’s huge display. A more productive productivity app, a more thrilling gaming app and a more entertaining media app. One thing to remember; if you want make the most of this amazing device, your app has to be adaptive.

This means it should function well on all screen sizes, from the small outer screen to the full inner display. The future of app development on foldable phones is bright. As these devices become more popular, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting developments.

Future Trends and Considerations:

Here are some things to look forward to:

More Durable Hinge Technology:

One of the most obvious challenges facing foldable phones is the durability of their hinges. The technology is relatively new, in the coming years we can expect to see significant improvements in the hinge design and materials. This will probably result in more reliable and long-lasting foldable devices.

Versatile New Designs:

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has set a new standard for foldable phones, there will be even more innovative form factors in the future.

For example, some manufacturers may experiment with tri-fold or quad-fold designs, introducing more bigger displays and more powerful hardware.
Integration with AI and AR:

Artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are two revolutionary technologies that have the potential to reinvent the way we use our phones. Foldable phones are perfect for integrating these technologies.

We can expect to see more AI-powered features like intelligent assistants, more personalized recommendations, and Augmented Reality experiences.

Advancements in Software and App Development:

As mentioned above, the introduction of foldables presents a fantastic opportunity for app developers and software designers to build inventive applications for improved performance and user experience.

Foldable device in multiple postures: folded, open flat, open flat rotated to landscape, and half opened (tabletop).

With time, foldable screen technology is forecasted to become more common and App store may even introduce categories specifically for foldable devices.

Increased Competition and Mainstream Acceptance:

Over the last four years, phone makers like Samsung, Huawei and Oppo have attempted to create a device that combines the portability of mobile phone with the productivity of a tablet. While Pixel phones are relatively new to the market, Google gets a lot of spots right with its first foldable.

As companies continue to introduce improved devices at lower prices, foldables will become more accessible to a wider range of consumers. This adoption will drive further innovation and development in the industry.