Android 16 is Bringing Back This Handy Feature After Years

Google has announced that it is bringing lock screen widgets to more Android tablets and smartphones, expanding beyond their current exclusive availability on the Pixel Tablet. The feature, once part of early Android versions, was later removed but is now making a comeback shortly after the release of Android 16.

Returning After Years

Lock screen widgets were a popular feature in early Android versions but were eventually discontinued. Now, Google is reviving them with Android 16, expected to launch in June 2025. Developers will be able to enable these widgets shortly after the update rolls out, allowing users to customize their lock screens with useful information and quick access to apps.

How Lock Screen Widgets Will Work

Currently, on the Pixel Tablet, users can access lock screen widgets by swiping right from the lock screen. However, smartphones using Android 16 may implement the feature differently. According to findings from Android Authority, early tests show that smartphones require Android’s screensaver mode to be active—a mode that only works when the device is charging or docked.

Google, however, is giving developers control over how widgets will be triggered, meaning smartphone manufacturers may implement the feature in different ways. Some devices could allow direct access from the lock screen, while others may limit them to specific conditions like charging or docking.

With lock screen widgets making a return, Android users will regain customizable, at-a-glance access to information, similar to what Apple offers with iOS. The final implementation will likely vary depending on device manufacturers, but this update signals a more flexible and personalized lock screen experience for Android users.