Split-screen multitasking on modern smartphones is ideal for cross-referencing information—such as watching a video while taking notes, referencing a spreadsheet while drafting an email, or tracking directions while messaging a friend. However, manually initiating split-screen mode each time requires opening an app, switching to the recent apps view, tapping the menu icon, selecting split, and picking a second app. In Android 15, Google introduced native App Pairs, enabling users to bundle any two applications together and pin a dedicated dual-launch shortcut directly onto their home screen.
What are App Pairs in Android 15?
An App Pair is a persistent home screen shortcut that simultaneously boots two designated applications in a pre-configured split-screen layout. When tapped, Android automatically launches both applications, restores your preferred orientation (horizontal or vertical split), and adjusts the divider ratio to your previously configured proportion.
Core benefits of saving App Pairs include:
- Single-Tap Multitasking: Launch two complementary apps together without entering the app switcher.
- Preserved Ratio Settings: Retains custom 50/50, 70/30, or 30/70 window dimensions automatically.
- Universal Launcher Support: App Pairs function like standard application icons, allowing you to drag them into home screen folders or docks.
- Tablet and Foldable Optimisation: Drastically accelerates productivity on large-screen foldable devices like the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold series.
How to Create and Save an App Pair Step-by-Step
Creating an App Pair in Android 15 takes only a few seconds using the native Recent Apps interface:
- Open the first application you want in your paired setup (for example, Google Sheets).
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold to enter the Recent Apps (Overview) screen.
- Tap the application icon located at the top of the app preview card.
- Select Split screen from the pop-up options menu. The active app docks into the upper or left half of the display.
- From your app tray or recent list, tap the second app you want to pair (such as Gmail).
- Both applications now appear side-by-side or stacked vertically in active split-screen mode.
- Swipe up and hold again to reveal the Recent Apps screen. You will see both apps displayed together as a unified card.
- Tap Save app pair located directly underneath the joint application preview.
Android automatically places a dual-app icon containing mini-badges of both applications onto your primary home screen.
Customising Divider Ratios Before Saving
You do not have to settle for an equal 50/50 split. If one app requires more screen real estate:
- Touch and hold the thick divider bar positioned between the two apps.
- Drag the bar upward, downward, left, or right to configure your desired proportions (for example, 70% video player and 30% chat).
- When you save the App Pair from the Overview screen, Android captures and remembers the exact partition ratio for future launches.
Managing and Organising Saved App Pairs
Saved App Pairs behave identically to standard app shortcuts on your Android home screen:
| Action | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Move Icon | Touch and drag the App Pair icon to any screen page or folder. |
| Group into Folders | Drag an App Pair on top of another shortcut or pair to create a multitasking folder. |
| Remove App Pair | Touch and hold the App Pair icon and drag it to Remove at the top of the display. (Does not uninstall the underlying apps). |
| Swap Window Positions | Double-tap the centre divider bar while the pair is active to instantly invert app positions. |
Troubleshooting App Pair Compatibility
While the vast majority of Android applications support multi-window display natively, certain legacy games or banking applications may restrict split-screen operation. If an app refuses to split:
- Open Settings and navigate to About phone.
- Tap Build number seven times to enable Developer Options.
- Navigate to
System > Developer options. - Scroll down to the Apps category and toggle on Force activities to be resizable.
- Restart your device. This forces all apps to permit split-screen multitasking and App Pair creation.
By saving custom App Pairs on Android 15, you streamline repetitive multi-app workflows, transforming your smartphone into an efficient, dual-window workspace.