Google Borrowed a Brilliant Idea from OPPO for Android 16

Android 16 will deliver a major multitasking upgrade, and it’s clearly inspired by OPPO’s implementation. This new system includes a 90:10 split-screen layout, and it does remind us of ‘Boundless View’.

‘Boundless View’ is OPPO’s multitasking implementation in ColorOS. OnePlus is also using it in OxygenOS, though under a different name. That feature allows apps to sit partially off the screen, and then the user can bring them up when needed. It allows you to run three apps in such a multitasking mode, so not just a regular split-screen.

Google borrowed a great idea from OPPO for Android 16

Now, Google did not copy the feature entirely, it works a bit differently. This feature allows an app to stay mostly in view (taking up to 90% of the screen), while the second app remains in what remains. That way you can jump between them easily, without closing either of them.

That feature was spotted in early Android 16 beta builds, and it will seemingly make its way to the stable build of Android 16. As far as we know, only two apps can run in this mode, though, not three, as on OPPO. OPPO can do it with two as well, though, as you can see below.

OPPO’s executive did suggest that OPPO may have helped bring this feature to life, indirectly. He suggested that Boundless View inspired Google to make this. However, as he told Android Authority, OPPO did not have any direct involvement.

OPPO even released a statement regarding the connection

OPPO even released a statement regarding all that: “Boundless View is a productivity-enhancing feature first introduced on the OPPO Find N3 in 2023 and later extended to the Find X8 Series through ColorOS 15. It significantly expands usable screen space and changes how users multitask. We’re pleased to see that Google has recognized the value of this concept and added a similar feature to Android 16.”

It’s always nice to see useful features inspire other useful features, that’s for sure. This will benefit users, for sure. You can also see OPPO’s implementation running on the OPPO Find N5 above (featured image).