Android users are in for an exciting update later this year, as Google introduces lock screen widgets to Android 16 smartphones. The feature, which has already been available on the Pixel Tablet since 2024, will now expand to more devices, offering users enhanced functionality right from their lock screen.
What Are Lock Screen Widgets?
Lock screen widgets allow users to access key app functionalities directly from their lock screen without unlocking their phone. Google has confirmed that widgets will be supported on Android 16 phones by default. However, app developers can choose to disable lock screen widget support if they prefer. For certain actions, such as launching an app from the widget, users will still need to authenticate using a fingerprint, pin, or face unlock for security purposes.
When Will Lock Screen Widgets Be Available?
The feature will be included in the Android 16 update, which is scheduled for release in late summer 2025. However, lock screen widgets won’t be available immediately after the release of Android 16. Instead, they will be rolled out with the first quarterly update following the launch of Android 16, expected around fall 2025.
What’s Different from Pixel Tablet Implementation?
Currently, Pixel Tablet users can access lock screen widgets by swiping right from the home screen, but Android 16 phones will behave a bit differently. While the feature is not yet enabled in the Android 16 beta, tech experts have already managed to activate it manually. The current implementation for phones relies on Android’s screensaver mode, which is only triggered when the phone is charging or docked.
The widget layout on phones will differ from the Pixel Tablet’s two-row grid. Instead, Android 16 phones will display widgets stacked vertically, with limited space for a couple of widgets at a time. Users will need to swipe through screens to view all their widgets, unlike the Pixel Tablet’s two-row grid that can display more simultaneously.
Customization by Manufacturers
Google has emphasized that the way lock screen widgets are triggered can be customized by hardware manufacturers. This means that users may see different implementations or methods to access the lock screen widgets, depending on the specific phone model or brand.
The upcoming addition of lock screen widgets to Android 16 phones brings a new level of convenience and accessibility to Android devices. This feature will enable users to interact with essential app features directly from their lock screens, reducing the need to unlock their phones constantly. With the Android 16 update on the horizon, we can expect a more efficient and customizable experience for Android users later this year.
