You'll soon be able to minimize windows on Android 16 without closing apps.

Google continues to focus on improving the tablet experience with Android 16, introducing a feature that will transform the way users interact with apps on their large-screen devices. This is a new option that allows you to minimize windows without having to close the apps, something that significantly improves multitasking, similar to the way you can minimize windows in Windows.

A long-awaited improvement in desktop mode

Until now, Android desktop mode allowed you to open applications in floating windows, something useful for multitasking, but with a major limitation: the windows could not be minimizedThis meant that if a user wanted to hide an app momentarily without closing it, they didn't have an easy way to do so.

With Android 16, this situation changes. Now, each open window will have a minimize button, which will allow the application to be reduced to a background state without interrupting its execution. This not only makes it easier better organization of screen space, but also optimizes the use of applications in a productivity context, such as adjust windows in Windows 11.

How the new minimization system works in Android 16

The new minimize button will allow an application to shrink and go into the background without closing. When this happens, an app icon will be visible in the taskbar If the user is in desktop mode, tapping the icon will expand the app again on the screen.

In case all windows are minimized, the device will automatically exit desktop mode, but The apps will continue to run and will be ready to open again whenever the user wants..

Why is this improvement important?

This new functionality is especially relevant for large-screen devices such as tablets and foldables, which seek to offer an experience closer to that of a computer. Google has identified the need to improve multitasking management on these devices, and the addition of minimizable windows is a key step in that direction.

Users You will no longer have to close one application to access another., nor do they have to rely on unintuitive tricks to organize their workspace. This represents a significant advance for those using Android tablets for work or school purposes.

Availability and compatibility

This functionality has been detected in the Android 16 third beta, which indicates that it will be available in the final version of the operating system. Although There is still no exact date for its official launch., is expected to arrive in the coming months and be available on all devices that support Android desktop mode.

The first tests have been well received by users and developers, who highlight the fluidity and ease of use of this new feature. In addition, some customization layers such as Samsung's One UI or OnePlus' OxygenOS are expected to integrate additional improvements on top of this foundation, allowing more users to enjoy a more personalized experience. minimize with the keyboard on Android devices.

The addition of window minimization in Android 16 reinforces Google's commitment to the evolution of tablet use., a segment that has been gaining importance in recent years. With this improvement, Android becomes a much more versatile system for those looking for a more efficient multitasking experience on their devices.