Android Is Officially Getting Lock Screen Widgets (Again)

Android 16: Lock Screen Widgets Are Back!

Android 16 is bringing back a feature absent for over a decade: lock screen widgets. This follows Apple's lead with iOS 16, adding a level of customization previously unavailable on most Android devices. While briefly available in Android 4.2, this functionality was later removed.

The revival, announced on the Android Developers Blog, will be integrated into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) via a quarterly update following the Summer release of Android 16—likely around September or October.

How (Eventually) to Use Them

Currently, the feature isn't fully functional in the Android 16 beta. Early previews reveal a vertically arranged, multi-page widget system, accessed by horizontal swiping, similar to the home screen. Security is paramount; actions requiring app access will necessitate fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock authentication.

While the Pixel Tablet has offered lock screen widgets, phone implementations will differ. Google suggests manufacturers will customize widget access, potentially mirroring lock screen element customization options. The beta currently limits access to widgets via screensaver mode (charging or docked devices), but broader availability is expected in the final release.

Android 16's full release is anticipated in June, with the lock screen widget update arriving later in a quarterly release. Expect variations in implementation across different phone manufacturers. This update transforms the lock screen from a simple security barrier into a dynamic information center.

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