Announced via the Android Developers Blog, Google has confirmed that all widgets will support lock screens by default, though app developers will have the option to disable compatibility if necessary. However, actions like launching an app will still require user authentication through fingerprint, PIN, or facial recognition.
The update will be included in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) as part of the first quarterly update following the release of Android 16, which is expected in late summer. While Android 16 is currently in beta and set for a June release, lock screen widgets for phones are not yet available in the latest test versions.
Despite this, Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority managed to activate the feature early. His testing revealed that while Pixel Tablet users can swipe right from the home screen to access widgets, the current phone implementation only works through Android’s screensaver mode, meaning the device must be charging or docked. However, Google has confirmed that hardware manufacturers can customize how the feature is triggered, suggesting that different phone brands may implement varying approaches.
Another key difference is screen layout. Unlike the two-row grid seen on the Pixel Tablet, Rahman’s video shows widgets stacked vertically on phones, allowing only a couple of widgets to be visible at a time. Users will need to swipe through multiple screens to view additional widgets.
With Android 16 around the corner, lock screen widgets could bring a new level of customization and convenience to smartphones. Let’s see how hardware makers will tailor the experience.