Mashable: With the introduction of Android 15 QPR2 in December, Google reintroduced widgets to the lock screen on tablets, beginning with the Pixel Tablet. Since then, users have been curious about the potential for this feature to extend to smartphones, and it appears that this may soon become a reality.

During its Spotlight Week, which emphasizes widgets, the technology firm based in Mountain View has confirmed that smartphone lock screen widgets will be available with the Android 16 QPR1 update. A newly created FAQ page titled “Widgets on lock screen” outlines that these widgets will allow users to customize their device experience.

Users will be able to access widgets for various functions, including checking the time, setting alarms, viewing essential information, monitoring stock updates, and managing smart home devices such as lights and thermostats.

Google has stated that lock screen widgets will be incorporated into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for both mobile devices and tablets following the rollout of Android 16 QPR1, which is anticipated to be available in late Summer 2025.

However, the initial release will not permit original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to customize the user interface of the lock screen widgets, ensuring a consistent developer experience across devices. Nonetheless, OEMs will have the ability to pre-set and display default widgets on their devices.

Additionally, the method for activating widgets will be customizable; OEMs can choose to use charging or docking status as triggers for the widgets. Furthermore, third-party OEMs will have the option to implement their own posture detection features.

The widgets are projected to occupy approximately 4 x 3 cells on the launcher, although their precise dimensions may differ by device. To enhance user experience, Google recommends that developers incorporate support for dynamic color and resizing within the widgets. They are also required to adhere to the same quality standards as home screen widgets regarding quality, sizing, and configuration.

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