Android 16 gives Pixel Fold a much-needed fix for hinge confusion

The post Android 16 gives Pixel Fold a much-needed fix for hinge confusion appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apr 18, 2025 - 17:28

Summary: Android 16 Beta 4 brings a new feature called “robust open/close detection” exclusively to the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, helping them better detect their folded state, especially when using magnetic accessories like MagSafe. Designed to prevent glitches like unwanted screen transitions caused by hinge sensor interference, the setting can be enabled under Display & Touch. However, Google warns it may slightly impact battery life. The full Android 16 release is expected to hit Pixels in June, with most user-facing features likely saved for future Pixel Feature Drops.

With Android 16 Beta 4, Google has introduced a new setting called “robust open/close detection,” which is really only going to be available on the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. What this feature does is it enhances the Pixel Fold’s ability to accurately determine if the device is opened or closed. This is particularly useful when you’re using magnetic accessories like MagSafe products and cases.

As we’ve learned over the past couple of years, these accessories can interfere with the hinge angle sensor, which leads to issues with the Pixel Fold, like unintended screen transitions or apps switching displays unexpectedly.

This feature is available by going into the Settings app and tapping on Display & Touch. The option is located near the bottom of the page. Google also warns users that this can increase battery usage and thus affect your battery life.

Android 16 is set to roll out in June

While Google rolled out the final scheduled beta for Android 16 just yesterday, the final stable update for Android 16 should be available starting in June. According to our sources, which we’ve already reported on, Android 16 will go to AOSP on June 3. And the Pixel update should start rolling out shortly thereafter.

As has been the case over the last few years, this Android update isn’t that major on the surface. Most of the changes are going to be under-the-hood, or features like this robust open/close detection. Most of the user-facing features are going to be released in Pixel Feature Drops.

The post Android 16 gives Pixel Fold a much-needed fix for hinge confusion appeared first on Android Headlines.