Google has announced on the Android Developer Blog that Android 16 smartphones will receive lock screen widgets this year. Previously, these widgets were only available on Pixel tablets, but now Google is expanding the feature to smartphones and more tablet models. This addition aims to enhance accessibility and convenience by allowing users to access key information and functions directly from the lock screen.
Lock Screen Widgets in Android 16
The company confirmed that lock screen widgets will be integrated into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) repository in the first quarterly update following Android 16’s official release this summer. Currently, Android 16 is in beta testing, with the final version expected to launch in June. Google has not specified an exact date for when the widgets will become available, but their inclusion in a future update suggests that users may need to wait a few months after Android 16’s release to access the feature.
Although lock screen widgets are not yet visible in the latest Android 16 beta, Android Authority journalist Mishaal Rahman was able to enable them, as reported by The Verge. According to Rahman, the current implementation for smartphones is tied to Android’s screensaver mode, which means the phone must be charging or docked for widgets to appear. Google has stated that device manufacturers will have control over how the feature is activated, meaning different brands may implement it in unique ways.
Widget Layout, Customization, and Security
Because smartphone screens are smaller than those of the Pixel Tablet, widgets will be arranged vertically in pairs rather than in a grid format. Users will need to swipe through the available widgets to locate the ones they need. This design choice ensures that widgets remain functional and easy to use, even on compact displays.
By default, all widgets will support lock screen placement, but app developers will have the option to disable this feature if they choose, notes NIXSolutions. Additionally, launching an app from a lock screen widget will still require authentication via fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock to maintain security. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected even when widgets provide quick access to certain functions.
As Google continues refining the feature, more details about customization options and compatibility with different devices may emerge. We’ll keep you updated as further developments unfold.