The Pixel Tablet already has them, and phones will too after Android 16’s first quarterly update.
Big news for Android enthusiasts: Google has officially announced that lock screen widgets are making their way to Android 16 devices later this year! While Pixel Tablet users have enjoyed this feature since last year, the update will extend support to phones and more tablets, bringing a whole new level of customization and convenience to your device.
Lock Screen Widgets: A Long-Awaited Feature
Widgets have been a beloved part of the Android ecosystem for years, allowing users to personalize their home screens with quick access to information and app functions. Now, Google is taking things a step further by adding these dynamic elements to the lock screen, allowing users to glance at essential info or interact with apps without fully unlocking their phones.
According to the official announcement on the Android Developers Blog, this change will roll out as part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in the first quarterly update following the release of Android 16, which is expected to launch in June 2024. So, you won’t have to wait too long to start experimenting with this exciting feature!
How Lock Screen Widgets Will Work
By default, all widgets will be compatible with the lock screen, though app developers will have the option to disable support if they choose. For security reasons, certain actions — like opening an app or performing sensitive tasks — will still require authentication via fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock.
Interestingly, while the lock screen widgets aren’t yet live in the Android 16 beta, Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman managed to enable them early. His discovery revealed that the current implementation for phones works through Android’s screensaver mode, which only activates when the phone is charging or docked. However, Google notes that hardware manufacturers will have the flexibility to determine how users access widgets, so we might see unique solutions from different brands.
Customization and Layout
Lock screen widgets on Android phones will differ slightly from their tablet counterparts, primarily due to screen size constraints. Instead of a two-row grid, widgets appear stacked vertically, showing only a couple at a time. Users will be able to swipe through multiple screens to access all their widgets, ensuring that even smaller displays can still make the most of the feature.
This customization potential opens the door for device makers to craft unique experiences. For instance, Samsung could add special gestures for widget access, while OnePlus might refine the interface for smoother transitions.
Why This Matters
Lock screen widgets are more than just a flashy feature — they’re a game-changer for productivity and accessibility. Imagine checking your calendar, controlling music, or viewing the weather without ever unlocking your phone. For people constantly on the go, this small tweak could save precious seconds and streamline daily interactions.
The move also brings Android back in line with iOS, which introduced lock screen widgets with iOS 16. But true to Android’s reputation, Google’s version promises more flexibility and room for innovation, especially with hardware manufacturers free to experiment with implementation.
What’s Next?
With Android 16 still in beta, developers have time to fine-tune their apps to make the most of this new feature. Users can look forward to an explosion of creative and useful widgets once the update lands — think fitness apps showing live stats, messaging apps surfacing recent conversations, or even smart home controls at your fingertips.
Android 16 is expected to roll out in June 2024, with lock screen widgets arriving in a subsequent quarterly update. So, if you’ve been craving more customization and faster access to your favorite apps, your patience will soon pay off.
Are you excited about lock screen widgets coming to Android? Let me know which apps you hope will support them — and get ready to take your lock screen game to the next level this year!
