Google is continuing to refine its foldable smartphone experience by rolling out a new Camera app update for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
As foldable phones become increasingly mainstream, users naturally expect both system and third-party apps to fully take advantage of the larger, flexible displays. With this latest update, Google is finally addressing a long-standing gap in its camera software for foldable devices.
The new feature, inspired by functionality expected on the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, introduces a split-screen preview mode within the Camera app. This enhancement allows users to view captured photos on the left half of the display while keeping the live camera viewfinder active on the right side. As a result, photographers can instantly review shots without interrupting their shooting flow, making the experience more seamless and efficient.
Accessing the feature is simple. A dedicated button now appears beneath the shutter button, enabling quick toggling between the traditional camera view and the new split preview layout. Users can immediately see recently captured images or switch to view their entire photo library. While the full gallery option essentially serves as a shortcut to Google Photos, it still adds convenience by reducing the need to leave the Camera app mid-session.
What makes this update particularly notable is how familiar it feels. Many rival foldable phones have offered similar dual-panel camera previews for years, making Google’s delayed rollout somewhat surprising. Nevertheless, its arrival significantly improves usability on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, especially for content creators, mobile photographers, and everyday users who frequently rely on quick shot reviews.
This update also highlights Google’s broader effort to better optimize its software ecosystem for foldable form factors. By adapting core apps like the Camera to large, flexible screens, Google is gradually closing the gap with competitors and enhancing the overall Pixel foldable experience.
As foldable devices continue to evolve, such refinements are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. For Pixel 9 Pro Fold owners, this Camera app upgrade is a welcome step toward a more polished and productivity-focused smartphone experience.