Google Play Store to add badge to apps optimized for larger screens
The Google Play Store is introducing a badge to indicate apps optimized for larger screens, improving the experience for tablet and foldable device users. This change, part of the Play Store v51.2 update, will make it easier to identify apps that fully utilize larger displays instead of appearing in phone-sized windows. The move signals Google's growing focus on larger-screen devices, possibly in preparation for its upcoming 'Aluminium OS' that merges Android and Chrome OS. The update also includes enhancements like improved content ratings, subscription visibility, and tablet-friendly navigation features.
- ▪The Google Play Store will display a badge for apps optimized for larger screens starting with version 51.2.
- ▪Apps with the badge will use the full screen on tablets and foldables instead of displaying in a phone-sized window.
- ▪This update aims to improve user experience on large-screen devices like foldables and tablets.
- ▪Additional features include updated content ratings, visibility of owned subscriptions in reviews, and enhanced widget access on tablets.
- ▪The update is not yet live but is expected to roll out soon.
Full article excerpt tap to expand
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": "1", "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.androidpolice.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position":"2", "name": "Utilities", "item": "https://www.androidpolice.com/utilities/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position":"3", "name": "Google Play Store to add badge to apps optimized for larger screens", "item": "https://www.androidpolice.com/got-a-bigger-screen-google-play-will-finally-show-you-apps-that-work-on-it/" } ] } Google Play Store to add badge to apps optimized for larger screens By Mark Jansen Published Apr 28, 2026, 5:24 AM EDT I've been covering Android and other mobile technology for close to ten years now, with a specific interest in phone accessories, e-readers, and what makes each individual phone different from another. I delight in looking at the phone market from as many angles as possible, and while my opinions may be odd, at times, they're always from the heart as much as the head. I have a background in the mobile accessories world, which explains my odd enthusiasm for cases and things that clip onto smartphones. I worked for Digital Trends from 2017 to 2025. Sign in to your Android Police account Add Us On Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Android hasn't always been good to bigger screens, like tablets. The advent of big-screen foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has changed that a little, but all too often you still find an app boots up with phone proportions on your tablet or foldable. It's irritating. But Google has finally put steps into place to stop that unwelcome surprise. From the latest Google Play Store update, apps that support larger screens will have a clear badge marking it as such (via Android Authority). Google's support for big screens has been a long time coming You often have to dig into an app's description and screenshots to check whether it's suitable for larger screens, but those days are at an end with the Google Play Store v51.2 update. Once installed, a badge will be visible alongside an app that highlights whether it's suitable for larger screens or not. In this case, "suitable" means it'll encompass the entire screen of the device, rather than being shrunk down into a phone-sized bar with great expanses of empty space either side. This will come as a great relief for foldable and tablet users alike, and it likely signals a big change in Google's approach to larger screens. Google has attempted to make changes to Android to make it more welcoming to larger screens, but that largely translated to the push of Android 12L in early 2022, and not much else afterward. Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police However, with Google aiming to combine Android and Chrome OS into a new operating system currently known as "Aluminium OS", it's obviously noticed that Android could do with more support for larger screens. Since Aluminum OS is set to use the Google Play Store, Google's going to want infrastructure in place to help new users get to grips with the right apps. Subscribe to our newsletter for Android big-screen coverage Curious how Play Store badges, app compatibility, and foldable support affect your device? Subscribe to the newsletter for focused coverage of Android big-screen…
This excerpt is published under fair use for community discussion. Read the full article at Android Police.