Better open/close detection for foldables coming to Android 16

How does a foldable smartphone detect when it’s open or closed? You have hall effect sensors to thank for that. For the most part, open/close detection on foldables work just fine. However, a report from 9to5Google has revealed that Android 16 will bring more “robost” open/close detection to foldables like Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

One of the biggest challenges for foldable smartphones is accurately recognizing when the device is fully opened, partially folded, or completely closed. Android 16 aims to tackle this issue by refining the sensors and software responsible for detecting these states. This means that users can expect faster transitions between the cover and inner displays, more reliable app behavior, and an overall smoother foldable experience.

Like we said, most foldables do a pretty good job at detecting when it’s opened or closed. However, sometimes hiccups happen, sometimes causing misaligned UI elements or unintentional mode switches. With Android 16, Google is improving hinge and sensor accuracy. This ensures that the software understands how the phone is positioned at any moment. This could lead to better support for multi-angle use cases, like tabletop mode or split-screen multitasking.

By integrating this improved detection system, Google could enhance continuity between screens, reduce animation delays, and offer a more fluid foldable experience. It could also suggest that the company is taking foldables more seriously, especially since we expect to see more foldable Pixel phones from the company in the future.

If these refinements work as expected, Android 16 could make foldables feel more intuitive and responsive. With Google I/O 2025 taking place in the coming months, more details about Android 16’s foldable improvements are expected soon.

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