Google will evaluate how apps perform on foldable devices and offer better visibility to those delivering optimised experiences, alongside new tools for developers to adapt apps across different form factors
October 29, 2026 / 12:03 IST
Galaxy Z Fold8
Google is preparing to introduce changes to the Play Store that could encourage developers to improve their apps for foldable smartphones and other large-screen devices. Starting next year, the company will evaluate app quality on foldables and give apps that deliver better experiences increased visibility and prominent placement in the store.
Google made the announcement at the Android Dev Summit. Google said it will share the specific Play Store requirements for the initiative later this year.
The move comes as Android foldables continue to expand, while many apps still rely on layouts designed primarily for conventional smartphones. On foldable devices, these apps can leave users with stretched interfaces or layouts that do not make effective use of the larger display.
Google has not clarified whether apps that fail to meet the upcoming requirements will face search ranking penalties. The company has also not explained what level of optimisation will qualify an app for increased visibility.
The planned changes could provide developers with an additional incentive to invest in foldable-specific experiences, particularly as the category continues to grow.
Google expands tools for adaptive app development
Alongside the Play Store initiative, Google is introducing updated development tools designed to help developers adapt Android apps across different screen sizes and device categories.
The company is shipping an updated Compose adaptive skill that can help AI coding agents modify mobile applications for larger displays. Developers can use the tools to support phones, foldables, tablets, laptops, cars and XR devices without maintaining separate codebases for each platform.
The Compose adaptive skill can audit mobile interfaces and implement desktop features such as keyboard shortcuts, pointer cursors, hover states and tooltips.
For foldable devices, the skill can also help reorganise camera and media interfaces into tabletop layouts.
Google is backing these capabilities with platform updates, including Navigation 3 v1.2 and the upcoming Compose 1.13 release, which introduces stable Grid and Flexbox support for responsive layouts.
What this means for Android users
The upcoming Play Store changes could encourage developers to make better use of foldable displays instead of simply expanding existing smartphone interfaces.
For users, this could mean more applications with layouts designed for multitasking, larger screens and different device orientations.
Google’s approach also extends beyond foldables, with its developer tools targeting tablets and laptops as part of a broader push towards adaptive Android applications.
However, the actual impact will depend on the requirements Google introduces later this year and how developers respond before the changes take effect next year.
The initiative marks a shift towards using Play Store visibility as an incentive for developers to improve app experiences across Android’s expanding range of devices.
Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech news—stay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!