The ability to change the orientation of the display on a mobile device, specifically the primary interface where applications are launched, between portrait and landscape modes is a common feature in modern operating systems. This functionality allows users to view content and interact with applications in a wider format by physically rotating the device. An example includes viewing a webpage in landscape for easier readability or using a mapping application to get a wider view of the surrounding area.
The advantage of this display flexibility lies in its contribution to enhanced user experience and device adaptability. It offers increased visual real estate for content consumption and creation, particularly for tasks like typing or viewing multimedia. Historically, this capability was introduced as a means to leverage the larger screen sizes of evolving mobile devices and has become an expected feature for usability and accessibility.