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Google’s 2027 foldable app push has readers hopeful, but not convinced
Nov 10, 2026 — 3:56 AM ET
Foldable phones offer consumers novel hardware that is not only great party pieces but also provide sensible solutions for the practical problems of digital life. Want a large display that folds into the size of a traditional smartphone? Get a foldable. There is perhaps one issue with Android foldables: app optimization.
There are plenty of Android apps that don’t support large-screen formats. These are guilty of stretching elements out of proportion or simply not making use of all that screen real estate.
What's the worst-looking app on Android foldables?
Google has highlighted these problems itself. It has announced plans that would place apps under more scrutiny, rewarding apps that fully support foldable phones with more prominent positions on the Google Play Store. This drive begins in 2027, but keeping apps accountable will only benefit consumers in the end.
But do consumers believe Google’s penalization of non-compliant apps will fix Android’s foldable app situation? We asked readers in a recent poll.
Do you think Google Play's new ranking incentives will finally fix the foldable app situation?
- Maybe.729 votes46.3%
- Yes.450 votes28.5%
- No.262 votes16.6%
- I don't care.135 votes8.6%
The majority of the 1,576 voters believe that Google’s ranking incentives could bring welcome change. In total, those voting “Maybe” or “Yes” account for nearly three-quarters of the overall total. Ultimately, the majority of respondents aren’t certain, but they are hopeful that the drive will bring change.
Google doubters account for around 16% of the vote, while those who “don’t care” make up around 9% of the total ballots cast.
Some readers highlighted a few issues in Google’s thinking, specifically the optimizations of some of the company’s own apps.
And yet they themselves haven't updated almost any of their own apps for iPhone Duo a week after release when just about everyone else has... How ironic.
On Google is done asking nicely for foldable app optimization
View in conversationOthers called out Google’s previous incentives, specifically related to tablets.
Google announced similar incentive for Tablets multiple times in the past but outside some indie devs almost no one cares.
Even many apps that had Tablet UI in the past have removed them like Slack.
Devs only makes Slab Phone UI and because Android can stretch apps, they think it's good enough.
On Google is done asking nicely for foldable app optimization
View in conversationReader MarilynMore is more optimistic, suggesting that Google’s ranking incentives could fuel a separate foldable-app economy.
There's a potential for developers to come up with a unique version of existing apps specifically for the foldable market. This can help with encouraging people to subscribe to cover the cost of adapting them. For 4.99 if most of the foldable population buy the optimised version it's a win win for all. Google can support them with great placement and visibility and they can support their engineers with actually funding projects that cater to the elite customers who purchase them. It's not that much to ask for if the product costs what it currently does.
On Google is done asking nicely for foldable app optimization
View in conversationDo you own a foldable phone? Have you experienced any foldable app optimization issues on your device? What about on a tablet or large-screen Android product? Let us know in the comments.
Conversation
Read what readers said or add your take.