Android Desktop Mode Leaked: See the New Look & Features!

A bug report accidentally published on Google’s Chromium Issue Tracker has provided the clearest look yet at the company’s upcoming Android desktop mode. The report, which included screen recordings and images intended to document an issue with Chrome’s Incognito Mode, unintentionally revealed a completely redesigned user interface that aims to transform Android into a full-fledged desktop operating system.

Leaked interface of the new Android desktop mode

What the Leaked Android Desktop Mode Reveals

The leaked footage showcases the new interface running on an HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook from 2021, powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core processor. This confirms that Google is using existing Chromebook hardware for development. Furthermore, the device is running a special build of Android 16, codenamed “Aluminum OS” (ALOS), which appears to be the foundation for this new desktop experience.

The user interface has several notable changes optimized for larger screens. The status bar is taller and now includes a clock that displays seconds. On the right, new icons for the battery, Wi-Fi, notifications, keyboard language, and the Gemini assistant are visible, styled for Android 16. While the taskbar looks similar to current designs, keen observers noted a subtle change to the mouse cursor, which now features a small tail.

A Game-Changer: Chrome Extensions on Android

Perhaps the most exciting detail from the leak is found within the Google Chrome browser interface. For the first time on Android, a button for Chrome Extensions is clearly visible. This feature has long been exclusive to desktop versions of the browser and its arrival on Android signals a major step towards providing a true desktop-class web browsing experience on tablets and in desktop mode.

Additionally, the window management controls—minimize, maximize, and close buttons—bear a strong resemblance to those found in ChromeOS. This suggests Google is aiming for a unified and familiar experience across its operating systems, potentially making Android a more serious competitor to traditional desktop platforms like Windows and macOS.