Google Brings Back Lock Screen Widgets with Android 16 QPR1

Google originally removed lock screen widgets from Android smartphones with the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop. Nearly a decade later, the firm now seeks to bring this feature back to Android devices, which indicates a huge change in the personalization features of the users.

Google to Reintroduce Lock Screen Widgets on Android Phones with Android 16 QPR1 Update in Late Summer 2025

A new FAQ page from Google indicates that lock screen widgets will ship as part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) style in Android 16 QPR1. This update will be launched in late summer 2025 and will permit users to customize their experiences on Android smartphones. A new Lock Screen widget feature will allow users to view information on smart home controls, stock ticks, and other relevant data directly from the lock screen.

Initially, Google will not allow smartphone manufacturers to modify the user interface of lock screen widgets, ensuring a uniform experience across all devices. The company explains that all the lock screen widgets will work the same across phones regardless of the brand. But for future iterations, Google will add more customization options for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These updates will help manufacturers enable triggers that include charging or docking status, and they’ll also allow for pre-configuration and automatic display of default widgets on the lock screen.

All existing widgets will also be compatible with the lock screen widget experience according to Google. This means that the lock screen on Android devices will have the freedom to place any widget on their device. The widgets will be standardized at approximately 4 x 3 cells in size and support dynamic coloring and resizing, although the exact implementation may vary by device.

It is worth noting that Google initially brought back lock screen widgets with the Android 15 QPR1 update, but the feature was restricted to tablets, specifically the Google Pixel Tablet. Now, the company is expanding the functionality to Android smartphones, offering users greater convenience and customization options directly from their lock screens.

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