Android 16 is set to revamp the operating system’s appearance, and its latest beta introduces features that enhance usability. These include the return of lock screen widgets for phones, previously a tablet-only feature, and improved security measures. Additionally, dark mode is receiving attention for a more visual appeal.
The stable release of Android 16 will arrive in December, but Android beta users can test new features right now with the QPR2 Beta 1 release. QPR represents Android’s Quarterly Platform Release schedule, marking this as the first beta for the second QPR cycle.
The Android 16 Beta is accessible on eligible Pixel devices, and anyone can enroll here. As always, the usual beta instability warnings apply.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Navigate to Settings > Display & Touch, and you’ll discover the new Widget on Lock Screen page. Now, your phone can feature interactive widgets with various information available without unlocking.
Once enabled, you can customize when widgets appear automatically under the When to automatically show setting (e.g., they can display only during charging). To manually access your widgets, swipe inward from the right edge of the lock screen.
You can organize multiple pages of widgets, with up to three full-sized widgets per page. Press and hold the widget area and unlock your phone to customize and add widgets.
Force apps (and app icons) into dark mode
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