I just tried the Pixel 10’s secret weapon — and the iPhone 17 could be in big trouble

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I’ve been praising Samsung DeX for years now, only to be thrilled when Android 16’s desktop mode was quietly revealed at Google I/O 2025 earlier this year. And now that the Pixel 10 has finally arrived, I got the chance to check out this hidden Android 16 desktop mode for myself — and it puts Apple on notice with the iPhone 17.

We’re less than a couple of weeks away from Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event on September 9, when the company presumably should take the wraps off its iPhone 17 lineup. I’m excited for what we’re in store this year, as rumors of an iPhone 17 Air could inject new life to the lineup, but Apple might find itself lagging behind if it doesn’t respond with something similar to the Pixel 10’s desktop mode.

That’s because it would put Apple’s iPhone 17 devices at a disadvantage, seeing how much value a desktop mode adds to a phone. While I’m confident we’ll hear more around Apple Intelligence features at the iPhone 17 event, I just hope an iPhone desktop mode comes sooner than later.

All Pixel 10 devices have access to it

Pixel 10 running Android 16 desktop mode showing window tiling. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

When I tried out the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s desktop mode last year, I said that it was still far from perfect — especially against Samsung DeX. That’s because I found several nuances, like how it couldn’t automatically tile windows or switch between apps using keyboard shortcuts.

Thankfully these issues have all been addressed with the Pixel 10 desktop mode, which is available to all the devices in the lineup, including the base Pixel 10. In order to access it, I had to activate developer mode by tapping repeatedly on the build number in the general settings menu. And once developer mode is activated, I proceed to enable some of the window management settings in the developer options to get desktop mode to work.

Pixel 10 running Android 16 desktop mode. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Based on the earlier leaks about the iPhone desktop mode, Apple could very well follow Google’s route on making it available to all iPhone 17 models. That’s unless Apple intends on making it an exclusive feature to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max — as that would be an incentive to get people to upgrade.

But then there’s the matter of the iPhone 17 Air’s rumored cost, which certainly throws a wrench in all of this. If Apple does come out with a similar feature, it should come to all iPhone 17 models.

Pixel 10 desktop mode works on a variety of monitors

Pixel 10 running Android 16 desktop mode with the the NextDock XL — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

What I like about the Pixel 10 desktop mode, apart from how it gives me that PC-like experience for better productivity and multitasking, is that it works on a bunch of different monitors. I first connected my Pixel 10 to a monitor via a USB-C hub, where I also had a mouse and keyboard set up. This is great for a stationary setup in the event I accidentally leave my laptop at home and need that PC-like setup in the office.

I also tried connecting the Pixel 10 to my Xreal Air 2 smart glasses and NexDock XL, with both devices supporting the feature. The NextDock XL is essentially a laptop, but relies on a phone to power it. What’s even more impressive is how the Pixel 10’s desktop mode supports touchscreens as well, seeing how it works flawlessly on the NextDock XL.

Currently, if you connect an iPhone 16 to an external monitor via USB-C, it would simply give you a mirrored experience. While this can work to an extent, it means that you have to constantly keep the iPhone turned on.

If the iPhone 17 comes out with a desktop mode, it would be wise to follow Samsung DeX by allowing the connected device to work independently. Meaning, if the iPhone 17 were turned off, I would want the iPhone desktop mode to remain active and functional.

A feature you won't find elsewhere

Functionally, I still prefer Samsung DeX over the Pixel 10 desktop mode. It’s quite clear that Google’s still polishing things out, which explains why it’s a hidden mode — but there’s one distinct feature that makes it handy.

It’s the ability to switch profiles, as this is a native Android 16 feature. Samsung has long ditched the ability to allow Galaxy phones to switch users, so I find this helpful because I can switch between my work and personal accounts. The reason why this is important is because of how my Chrome bookmarks and other Google service settings are tied to different accounts.

Now this one might be difficult for Apple to make a reality with an iPhone 17 desktop mode, especially when iPad OS doesn’t support multiple users. If it did, then I would suspect that Apple could add in that ability with iOS 26 — but it doesn’t.

Either way, the Pixel 10’s desktop mode puts Apple in a predicament because it’s one of those handy features that can bridge that gap between laptops and phones. I’m not suggesting that an iPhone 17 could 100% replace your laptop or desktop setup, but it could at least be a suitable option if a situation presents itself.

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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