Android 16 to Introduce Lock Screen Widgets for Smartphones

Google confirms lock screen widgets will arrive in Android 16's first quarterly update, allowing manufacturers to implement the feature across devices.

Google has announced that lock screen widgets will be introduced to smartphones with Android 16 QPR1, expected to release in late summer 2025.
The feature, previously available on the Pixel Tablet, will now be accessible on all Android devices through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Lock screen widgets will allow users to access features like alarms, smart home controls, and stock updates directly from the lock screen.
Manufacturers can customize the mechanism for triggering widgets but cannot alter the lock screen widget interface to ensure a uniform developer experience.
While developers can disable widget compatibility for their apps, Google encourages support for dynamic color and resizing to enhance user experience.