Google has already set August 13, 2024 as the date it wants to show off new hardware, software, and likely a lot of AI features. Now, a new report gives us a better idea of what some of the upcoming devices will be capable of.
While we eagerly await the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, and a third-generation Pixel Watch, Google could also be gearing up to unveil its next-generation foldable smartphone, aka the successor to the Pixel Fold.
Android Authority reports that the next foldable – likely called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – will get some new split-screen functionality. So when you’re using the device in portrait mode, you’ll be able to easily split the screen and run two apps side by side, left to right.
The discovery was made in the Android 14 QPR2 release, which has code for this functionality specific to “portrait folding.” Given that the next Pixel Fold is expected to have a square aspect ratio, this fits in pretty well, and Android Authority gives us an inside scoop here as well. The report notes that the main display on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will likely be 2076 x 2152, as the code lists that as the default resolution for portrait mode.
This would be a nice quality upgrade for the upcoming foldable phone that addresses some of the first-generation’s multitasking concerns. This alleged solution also lines up with rumors that the main display will adopt a square aspect ratio.
Of course, we’ll have to wait for Google to officially confirm all of this, but since it’s in the code, chances are we’ll see at least some of it. Code can change, though.
It’s likely that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Pixel Fold 2 will get an upgrade in terms of processing power in the form of the rumored Tensor G4 chip. Given that Google is likely to show off the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro at the event, any new silicon will surely power the trio of new devices and likely enable Gemini functionality and more advanced features.
We’ll know for sure in a few weeks, but ahead of Google’s August event, we’ll be a lot closer to the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. There, we’re expecting to see the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, alongside the long-awaited Galaxy Ring and possibly a Galaxy Watch Ultra.