Your Android lock screen clock might move to notifications, plus a brighter battery icon

One thing Android fans love is how much you can change your phone. From the home screen to the lock screen, you can make it your own. Different phones offer different options, but Android generally gives you enough control to feel personal. For example, on Pixel phones, you can pick a cool style for your lock screen clock. Right now, that style only shows on the lock screen, but Android 16 might bring it to other spots, too.

After Android 16 Beta 3 came out, we checked it out to see if Google improved the Quick Settings panel. They’ve been working on splitting notifications and Quick Settings into two separate screens, like some other brands do. It’s not fully ready in Beta 3, but we got it running for a sneak peek. One big change? The clock in the notifications panel is way bigger now.

In Android 15, it was just a small thing in the corner. In the new setup, it gets its spot above the media player, matching your lock screen clock style. It’s not in the Quick Settings panel, though—that space has buttons for users, settings, and power instead.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. But when I switched my lock screen clock style in the Pixel wallpaper app, the notifications panel clock updated too. It copies whatever look you choose, including colors or themes. Some styles look odd there, and others, like the weather clock, don’t show fully. Still, it’s a neat touch, and I’d love to see Google keep it.

This feature isn’t ready yet, so don’t expect it in the main Android 16 release. It’s tied to the new two-page design, which needs more work. It might pop up in a later update, like Android 16 QPR1, alongside other tweaks Google’s planning. Meanwhile, they’re also jazzing up the status bar. In Beta 3, we found a new battery icon with fun colors—white when full, red when low, and green when charging. It’s a fresh look, and even if it’s not final, it shows Google’s still playing with ways to make Android feel new.