Exciting Changes Ahead: Major Lock Screen Shortcut Upgrade for Your Pixel Device
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Summary:
- Pixel devices might get a new feature allowing app shortcuts on the lock screen.
- Unlike other Android brands that support lock screen widgets, Pixel currently has limited options.
- Samsung users can already add app shortcuts to their lock screens.
The lock screen capabilities on Pixel devices may soon be enhanced, making them more competitive with other Android options. Currently, Google restricts lock screen functionalities to basic shortcuts like the flashlight and camera, whereas other manufacturers, inspired by iOS, have implemented lock screen widgets. However, signs indicate that Google is developing features that could give Pixel devices an edge.
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With the latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2, Google appears to be working on a feature for quicker access. Recent code snippets have revealed a potential “App Launch Shortcut” that would empower Pixel users to open apps directly from the lock screen, similar to current system toggles.
While other Android brands let users place shortcuts beneath the lock screen clock, Pixel users only have limited placement options along the bottom corners. Currently, users can only choose from a handful of features such as Do Not Disturb, flashlight toggle, and the camera. Although it is technically possible to use widgets on Pixels, they operate as full versions akin to home screen widgets rather than the simplified versions seen on other brands.
If implemented, this update would not only provide a variety of additional shortcuts but also facilitate direct app launching from the lock screen. Code references indicate that Pixel users may soon enjoy more options.
Code
App Launch
Create App Launch Shortcut
Lock screen shortcuts
Select App
Code
"You can create up to %1$d app launch shortcuts. You can create %2$d more shortcut(s).
Long press on an existing app launch shortcut to configure or remove."
"You have reached the maximum limit of %1$d app launch shortcuts. Please delete an existing app launch shortcut first.
The specifics regarding how many shortcuts will be allowed remain unclear. While it seems there will be a limit, it has yet to be officially defined. It remains to be seen whether Google will keep the maximum at two shortcuts or increase it. However, users will have the flexibility to long-press an existing shortcut for any modification or replacement.
In addition to the app shortcut feature, there are signs of “Quick Affordances,” which are described as interactive elements on the lock screen. This could include actions for apps like scanning QR codes or composing messages. It’s plausible that Google might let users add app action shortcuts along with app icons, although confirmation is awaited.
Currently, it is uncertain if Google will maintain the existing placement for shortcuts along the edges or allow them to be located in the center, as seen with other brands. Notably, several manufacturers, including OnePlus and OPPO, allow users to position shortcuts beneath the clock, primarily for widgets or system app shortcuts. However, Samsung stands out by permitting app shortcuts, a feature that Pixel users might be keen to adopt.
Lastly, since these features are found in the QPR2 Beta 2 for Pixel devices and are not part of the broader Android developer builds, it’s likely that they will initially be exclusive to Pixels before being made available through AOSP later on.
⚠️ A glance at an APK tear down helps anticipate potential features based on in-progress code, but keep in mind that some of these features may not appear in the final release.
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