With the introduction of Android 15, Google unveiled a feature known as app pairs, allowing users to save two apps together as a single icon for simultaneous launching in split-screen mode. Initially, this functionality was exclusive to tablets, but it soon expanded its reach to devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other smartphones. While the concept was promising, early adopters found that the multi-window mode often displayed only a small portion of each app, making the experience somewhat cumbersome. As a result, many users, including myself, set aside the app pairs feature until the arrival of Android 16, which brought significant enhancements to multitasking capabilities.
90:10 split-screen makes app pairs useful on Android
For nearly a decade, split-screen and multi-window functionalities have been part of the Android experience. However, their practicality was often overshadowed by the limitations of smaller phone displays. Traditional split-screen modes typically divide the screen into equal halves or uneven thirds, resulting in a compressed view of the apps. This setup often felt less efficient than switching between full-screen applications, especially when the keyboard obscured one of the apps.
With Android 16, Google introduced a revamped 90:10 split-screen mode, which prioritizes one app while minimizing the other. This clever design allows for seamless switching between apps; for instance, if I have Spotify and Slack open, I can easily maximize one while minimizing the other with a simple tap. This newfound flexibility transforms the user experience, particularly on compact 6-inch or 7-inch displays, enabling a more practical use of screen real estate without sacrificing functionality.
Moreover, the ability to save app pairs as a single icon streamlines the process of launching two apps side-by-side in the desired ratio. This innovation eliminates unnecessary navigation and taps, allowing users to access their preferred app combinations effortlessly. The combination of app pairs and the 90:10 split-screen mode has rekindled my enthusiasm for multi-window capabilities on Android.
App pairs are perfect if you have the right use for them
While app pairs may not cater to every user’s needs, they can serve as a significant productivity enhancement for those with specific use cases. Personally, I have been utilizing app pairs on my Pixel Tablet for several months, pairing Spotify with KS Fit, the companion app for my desk walking treadmill. This setup allows me to launch both apps with a single tap, enabling me to monitor my treadmill stats while enjoying my music—essentially creating my own walking dashboard.
On my smartphone, I’ve found great utility in pairing Chrome with Spotify. By keeping Spotify minimized at the top and Chrome expanded below, I can continuously view the currently playing track while browsing or working. Additionally, I’ve started to combine Slack and Asana, facilitating smooth transitions between both applications for on-the-go tasks related to Android Authority. As I continue to explore this feature, I anticipate discovering even more innovative applications, but the ability to effectively use two apps simultaneously on a smaller screen has already proven to be a substantial boost to my productivity.
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