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Google Pixel smartphones are preparing to receive lock screen widgets with the Android 14 QPR1 release. This feature drop is expected to make its entry in December and become available for users worldwide. Recent reports now point out that this feature drop might bring the long-lost lock screen widgets to Pixel devices.
Some beta testers of the Android 14 QPR release are already noticing this feature hidden with the codes. One keyphrase to point out the existence of this feature is “widegt_on_keyguard” and it’s part of the new System UI flag. The “keyguard” in this flag might refer to the lock screen, which points out that users might get some functional shortcuts before unlocking their device.
Those familiar with this say that the new System UI flag is the only thing that points to the existence of this coming feature. However, it is safe to say that this isn’t the first time this feature has become available on Android devices. This isn’t the first time that a smartphone would be getting widgets on its lock screen.
The coming lock screen widget isn’t a new feature, but it’d get some heads turning
Back in the days of Android 4.0, users could add widgets to their lock screen. With this addition, they were able to access quick functions without having to unlock their screen. Sadly, this impressive feature was dropped and almost forgotten about.
Fast-forward to last year, and the tech community saw Apple add widgets to the lock screen on iOS 16. This came as an imitation of the feature Android left to die many years ago. Following Apple’s footsteps, Samsung also launched the use of widgets on their lock screen with the LockStar Good Lock module.
Coming late to the party are the original creators of this lock screen feature. After letting go of lock screen widgets for years now, Android is bringing it back for use with a coming update. This feature might first make its appearance on Pixel devices with the Android 14 QPR1 release.
Pixel users might get this feature in December after Android 14 rolls out globally. With this feature, users can add quick-at-a-glance shortcuts to their lock screen page. While this feature might clutter your lock screen, it is informative and lets users access important information without unlocking their devices.
These widgets will come with rounded edges like regular home page widgets. More Android devices might also get this feature after it lands on Pixel devices in the coming months. More information on this coming feature will become available as the launch of Android 14 approaches.