Google is set to introduce a new multitasking feature in Android 16, which bears a resemblance to a concept already in use by OPPO since 2023. This feature, termed “Boundless View” on OPPO devices and “Open Canvas” on the OnePlus Open, allows users to interact with apps that can extend partially off the edge of the screen. This enables smoother multitasking as users can switch between applications by tapping on the visible portion of the app. In Android 16, the multitasking layout features a 90:10 split-screen configuration.
One app occupies 90 percent of the display, while the second occupies a narrower section along the edge. This allows for easy switching between apps without completely closing either one. Early beta versions of Android 16, including Samsung’s One UI 8 beta, have showcased this feature, though it is not yet available on Pixel phones, with the potential for updates in the future. Following online discussions regarding OPPO’s involvement in this development, the company clarified its position.
An OPPO executive had initially indicated on Weibo that the feature might have been influenced by their work, but OPPO later emphasized that Google’s development “draws inspiration” from their Boundless View feature. Boundless View was first launched with the OPPO Find N3 and expanded to the Find X8 Series through ColorOS 15. It enhances multitasking capabilities by maximizing screen usability, and OPPO welcomes Google’s acknowledgment of a similar concept in Android 16. Whether this development is a coincidence or a result of industry collaboration, it promises to enhance user experience—especially for those with large-screen devices like foldables.
OPPO’s positive response indicates a focus on advancing multitasking functionality rather than claiming sole ownership of the idea.