The new framework, while building on Android 12L, effectively lets users have two layouts for their home screens. That’s one for the external display and another for the larger, internal panel. As shown in the video below, a test device is set up with one layout on a smaller screen and then the DPI is changed — as would be the case when a foldable is opened to a larger display. When that happens, the layout of apps and other on-screen elements is changed as well. When the DPI is set back to its original value, the previous layout is reloaded. Changes made to either remain in place through the DPI change.
What does this mean for foldable devices on Android 13?
As of this writing, of course, Android 13 is still in its Developer Preview 1 phase. So this is an early release, prior even to beta builds. But the implications, if foldable devices are Google’s target for the newly spotted Android 13 feature, are substantive. First, the changing layouts between a larger and smaller display are reminiscent of how Samsung foldable devices already work. While some OEMs have opted for a layout that stays the same between both displays, Samsung has not. In effect, that allows users to have quick access to whatever features they plan to use more regularly on the smaller screen. Apps such as the Phone, Camera, Messages, music streaming, and simple games, for instance. The internal screen can have its own layout, for quick access to apps and services that are more well-suited for the larger panel. For example, movie streaming or large-scale Android games. Whether or not the change will appear with the final release of Android 12 or with Android 13 is up for speculation.
