The Google Pixel Tablet and Google Pixel Fold are ambitious devices by Google designed to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. They offer great features out of the box, but a few things can’t be solved without support from the app developer community. The Pixel Fold is one of thebest foldable phones, but many apps don’t properly support the new form factor. This guide shows you how to change the aspect ratio of your apps if they don’t scale correctly on these new larger-screen displays.
What’s the issue with full-screen apps?
ThePixel Tabletis Google’s first officialAndroid-based tabletin a while, which means many app developers need to optimize their apps to use the features of that device. At the same time, thePixel Foldis Google’s first foldable phone on the market. These devices arenew form factorsthat need support from third-party app developers. Since they are unique, they have been slower to receive the same level of support that traditional smartphones get.
Android-based tablets have existed for many years, but their potential is often untapped and may go unnoticed. Foldable phones are a new concept for the average consumer. With these bold changes from the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, Google wants to bring both form factors to the next level. This is done to set a new industry standard and help the general Android tablet and foldable market grow. Google is laying the foundation, giving app developers the tools they need, and showcasing what’s possible with these new form factors.
Is there something we can do about it?
It’s primarily up to the app developers to optimize their apps when new devices and device form factors come out. The same goes for each new major version of Android. In this case, developers must add specific features to their apps to use the larger displays and the full-screen aspect ratio. It goes beyond screen sizes. Developers need to adopt thenew interface and featuresonly possible on a tablet or foldable phone, such as better multitasking with split-screen views.
Look at how long the Android 10 system-wide dark and light theme setting took to catch on, allowing compatible apps to switch theme colors automatically by pressing a button. An override feature was introduced via the hidden developer options to force all apps to use a dark theme until the third-party app developers could add the feature. With millions of apps on theGoogle Play Store, it will be an uphill battle to introduce a new feature and have it become the new standard for all devices.
Not all apps follow the system-wide light and dark theme feature set in place by Google. We hope proper developer support for full-screen apps on these devices catches on sooner rather than later.
You can try to force your apps to fill the entire screen on a Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold. It’s worth attempting while we wait for the app developers to add official support for these features. We will show you how to change the aspect ratio for your apps in the section below.
How to use the full screen aspect ratio
The Pixel Tablet and Pixel Folder are big-screen Android-based devices, meaning they have similar, if not the same, features. There is a setting inAndroid 14on these devices that allows you to tweak the aspect ratio for installed apps. You’ll change this setting for each app individually.
To make your apps full screen on a Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold, do the following:
When you open an app on the Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold, you’ll see a display scale icon in the lower-right corner. Tapping this icon takes you to theAspect ratioscreen for that app. If that doesn’t work correctly, return toSettings>Apps>Aspect ratiolike you did earlier.
Set your apps to use full screen mode
It may be frustrating that some of your favorite apps don’t play nicely with your Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold, but there’s something you can do about it. Switching the aspect ratio setting fromDefaulttoFull screencan work wonders for some apps, but not all. If one of your apps doesn’t function well in full-screen mode, try another aspect ratio option as a possible alternative. This can bridge the gap until more app developers optimize and support the full-screen features of these large-screen devices.
Now that you know how to force your apps to use full-screen mode, learn how totake even better photos with your Pixel Fold. We highlight useful tips and tricks to help you get that perfect picture using the unique form factor of a foldable phone.
Google Pixel Fold
Last year’s Google Pixel Fold may not have dazzled us on release, but the company has made many improvements to the device over time. Android 15 has the Pixel Fold running well, and it’s a fantastic deal for sub-$600 if you’re comfortable with a renewed device. It’s an excellent choice for picking up a foldable on a budget.
