Android
Android 15 QPR1: Lock screen widgets close to launch
Top 3 Key Points:
- Feature Development: Google is nearing the release of lock screen widgets in Android 15 QPR1, expected by December.
- Tablet-Exclusive: Initially, these widgets will only be available on tablets, not phones.
- User Caution: Widgets are accessible without unlocking the device, so be mindful of displaying sensitive information.
Google has confirmed that the Android 15 update for Pixel devices will be delayed until October. While this may disappoint some, the extra time allows Google to ensure the update is stable. The initial release of Android 15 doesn’t introduce many new features, so users aren’t missing out on much. However, the first quarterly platform release (QPR1) will likely include a long-awaited feature: lock screen widgets.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Google was working to reintroduce Android widgets on the lock screen. Throughout the Android 15 beta, this feature has significantly progressed. With the recent release of Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1, the lock screen widgets feature is nearly ready for launch, as evidenced by the new introductory text explaining the feature. This update suggests that Google is refining the feature for an official release, which could happen as early as December with the Android 15 QPR1.
In the latest beta, the lock screen widget area now provides a brief introduction, informing users that they can access their favorite app widgets without unlocking their tablet. Previously, this area was empty, and users had to manually enable the feature to see it in action. It’s worth noting that the introductory text specifically mentions tablets because, unfortunately, phones won’t support lock screen widgets in Android 15 QPR1.
When users tap the “Add Widgets” button, they are taken to the lock screen widget editor interface. This interface has been updated in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 with an introductory dialog. The dialog welcomes users to the lock screen widgets feature and includes a few important notes: To open an app using a widget, users will need to verify their identity. It also reminds users that anyone can view the widgets even when the tablet is locked. This serves as a helpful caution against adding widgets that might display sensitive information.
Additionally, the introductory dialog includes a disclaimer stating that “some widgets may not have been intended for your lock screen and may be unsafe to add here.” This is notable because earlier versions of the feature had a toggle in Settings to “allow any widget on [the] lock screen.” Now, it seems that all widgets are allowed, regardless of their intended use. However, shortcuts are still not permitted on the lock screen, so users will need to unlock their tablets to access them from the home screen.
Given these updates, it’s clear that the lock screen widgets feature is close to being finalized. The feature already functions well, but one question remains: Will Google keep lock screen widgets exclusive to tablets, or will they optimize them for phones in the future?