bubbles API Archives

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Android 17 Beta 2 brings a pop-out windowed mode to all apps with ‘bubbles’

Android 17 Beta 2 introduces a new windowing mode that expands the concept of "bubbles" beyond messaging apps to include floating windows for non-messaging applications. This feature allows users to interact with multiple applications simultaneously. The term "bubbles" now refers to both the traditional messaging mode and the new floating windows, which can be resized and moved, similar to multitasking features from other manufacturers. Any Android device can utilize these floating app bubbles, but foldables and tablets will have a shortcut for launching windowed apps from the taskbar. Developers are advised to follow existing multi-window mode guidelines for compatibility with the new feature.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

AppContext To Keep Apps Alive In Android

Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.

AppWizard

October 10, 2024

A new Android 16 feature will open any app on the screen in a pop-up window

Google is developing a feature called "bubble anything" for Android 16, which allows users to open any application in a floating window that hovers above other apps. This feature was introduced in the Android 15 QPR1 beta and marks an improvement over the previous "bubbles API" from Android 11, which was limited to messaging apps. The new functionality includes a "bubble" button in the context menu when users long-press an app icon, enabling efficient multitasking, especially for tablet users. However, the feature has not yet been officially confirmed and may change before its release.

AppWizard

October 10, 2024

Android 16 may add the ability to show any app in a floating window

Google is reportedly working on extending the bubbles API to all applications with Android 16, which currently is limited to conversation notifications. This feature allows conversations to float above other applications, enhancing multitasking. Hints of this expanded functionality have appeared in the first Quarterly Platform Release of Android 15, with a "bubble" button being incorporated in the Pixel Launcher context menu. The combination of the bubbles API with a potential "bubble bar" may further improve the user experience, especially for tablet users. The timeline for the release of these features remains uncertain.