Google Urges App Developers To Support Galaxy S8 And LG G6 18:9 Aspect Ratios

Seeing what will likely be a growing trend for smartphones going forward, Google is reminding developers to code their apps to take advantage of these taller displays. Developers are used to creating apps that are framed within displays sporting a 16:9 aspect ratio, and according to Google, accommodating 18:9 and 18.5:9 aspect ratios is a rather simple affair. 

LG G6

“In order to take full advantage of the larger display formats on these devices, you should consider increasing your app's maximum supported aspect ratio. We recommend that you design your app to support aspect ratios of 2.1 or higher.” Google explains. This scaling has been supported by Android for quite a while, but it’s up to developers to properly support it to take advantage of the feature.

“As more super widescreen Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6, become available, you'll have more opportunities to display more content and create more engaging experiences with your app.”

If developers don’t update their apps to natively take advantage of these new aspect ratios, LG G6 and Galaxy S8/S8+ owners may see black bars at the top and bottom of their displays (or sides depending on the orientation) within certain apps. As you can see above, it definitely isn’t pretty.

So, are 18:9 aspect ratios the future for flagship, or even mainstream Android smartphones? What say you, HotHardware readers -- do you prefer the standard 16:9 aspect ratio or are you open to supporting these taller displays with thinner bezels?