Summary
- The Pixel Fold lacks a setting to control when to continue running apps on the cover screen, but Google is working on introducing this feature in a future Android release.
- A feature called “Continue using apps on the Fold” appeared in a previous beta and offered similar functionality, but was removed in a later version and has not returned since.
- A new feature, presumably called “Swipe up to continue,” has been spotted in today's Android 14 QPR3 beta release that lets users continue using an app after closing the Pixel Fold Cover. Swiping up on the display will allow you to swipe up, similar to how OnePlus handles this transition.
The Pixel Fold is Google's first attempt at making a foldable phone, so it makes sense that the device lacks some of the bells and whistles that some other foldable phones come with. Luckily, missing software features can always be introduced via updates, and the Pixel Fold has already received many of them. One feature missing from the Pixel Fold is a setting to control when to let apps continue on the cover screen, but it looks like that functionality is in the works, as we saw in today's Android 14 QPR 3 beta 1. This is done as per the code discovered in the release.
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Currently, when you fold the Pixel Fold to close, the screen turns off, unless you're using Google Maps to navigate or watching a video in full screen. Most apps don't transition from the internal display to the cover screen, which can be a hassle if you need to keep an eye on a particular app (like Google Keep) while out and about. In the first beta for Android 14 QPR1, Google actually added a setting called “Continue using apps while folded,” which lets you choose whether you want to keep the cover screen always on when you fold your device, Never turn on the cover screen, or only turn it on if you're using an app that prevents your screen from going off (like a game or video).
That setting was removed from subsequent betas and hasn't returned since, much to the disappointment of Pixel Fold owners. However, it seems that Google may bring this feature back in a future Android release. While searching for the Android 14 QPR3 beta 1 release, I found strings that suggest the feature may return under a new name: “Swipe up to continue.”
Fold your phone and swipe up on the front display to continue using the app, or wait a few seconds for the screen to lock
Swipe up to continue
The new version of this feature appears to be the same way OnePlus handles this change on OnePlus Open. When you turn your phone to turn off, you can choose whether to swipe up on the cover display to continue using the app or wait for the screen to timeout.
Swipe up to continue using Settings on OnePlus Open
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We checked the Pixel Fold running the latest beta but couldn't find this setting, which suggests it's still in development. It's possible that the feature will arrive in the stable release of Android 14 QPR3 in June, or it could be reserved for the upcoming Android 15 release later this year. We'll keep an eye on upcoming beta releases to learn more.
