Android 16 Redesign Updates Recents Menu With Drop-Down Options, Better Big-Screen Layout

Android 16 QPR1 has launched, and the new redesign changes what the Recents menu looks like on all devices, with a new layout for larger displays and drop-down options.

In Android 15, the Recents menu was easy to navigate but lacked finesse. Users could access extended options by tapping the app icon above a recent app, but it was somewhat hidden from sight. On the other hand, devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other larger devices showcased a somewhat wonky menu, with one large app preview and smaller ones that made the menu feel uneven.

Android 16 has changed that in a redesign that formats the Recents menu a little differently. The new OS version now displays apps in a uniform grid on devices like the Pixel Fold. When swiping up to display the Recents menu, that one large app preview is no longer present. Instead, four apps appear in a grid pattern, allowing for easier access to multitasking.

Another change has to do with the app options from the Recents menu. Instead of tapping the icon above the preview, there is now a pill button with a drop-down menu. The menu displays the same opiotns we saw for each app in Android 15, but the button is now easier to see and access. It also sits on top of the app preview instead of above it. The icon that floated above is now gone.