Google Pixel Fold users may get back a handy feature that made a brief appearance in a beta and is now resurfacing on Android 15. Currently, when the Pixel folding switches from an unfolded state to a folder state, the outer screen turns off (except for specific scenarios like video playback or navigation via Google Maps). However, even if it was initially spotted in the codeNew screenshots are now available showing that you will soon be able to continue your usual activities when folding the device.
Google initially attempted to address this issue in an early beta of Android 14 QPR1 by introducing a setting called “Continue using apps on the fold.” This setting provided options to keep the outer screen always, never, or only for applications like games or videos. Unfortunately, this setting was removed and did not appear in later versions.
However, in the code of
Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1, Android expert
Michael Rahman found a hint about a potential return of this feature, but under the new name “Swipe up to continue”. The feature continues to be present in the developer preview of
Android 15suggesting that users can get a dedicated gesture to enable
app continuity between the main and external screens seamlessly.
Currently, on
Android 15 Developer Preview 1, the “Continue using applications currently being deployed” setting offers the choices below:
- Always: The outer screen turns on every time you fold the device.
- Only games, videos and more: the outer screen lights up for applications designed to usually stay active (games, video players).
- Never: The outer screen locks every time you fold the device.
These options differ from the old setting found in Android 14 QPR by adding the “swipe up to continue” condition, instead of just immediately resuming the app on the outer screen. This means that, if it becomes permanent, Pixel folding Users should be able to continue using most apps on the outer screen by simply swiping up on the lock screen after closing the device and effectively eliminate the need to reopen the foldable to check d other apps like calendars, notes, etc. This same functionality is found in the OnePlus Open.
Like a Pixel folding user myself, this is a feature that I sorely missed while experimenting with the beta versions of QPR and I couldn't understand why Google would remove it. Now that the feature has been changed somewhat, this would indicate that there were issues with the initial implementation and that Google was working all along on a better way to bring us much-needed screen continuity.
