One noteworthy speculation revolves around the potential return of lock screen widgets. By examining the code in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3, it was uncovered references hinting at widget support on the lock screen, pointing towards a possible revival in Android 15.
The reintroduction of lock screen widgets in Android 15 could take two routes: integration into the existing “At a Glance” feature or a new “communal space.” This communal space would be a separate area, likely accessible by swiping from right to left on the lock screen. Within this space, users could organize and add multiple widgets, akin to iOS’s Today View.
The exploration of Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 revealed the activation of the unfinished communal space. However, it was evident that the feature was still in progress. Google Calendar, Google Clock, and the Google app had available widgets, but native support for widgets from other apps was lacking. The move to bring back lock screen widgets is actually not that surprising. It was a prominent feature in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but it disappeared in Android 5.0 Lollipop. Additionally, Apple’s integration of widgets into the iPhone lock screen in iOS 16 likely influenced the potential revival. Google is evidently exploring the idea of incorporating widgets into upcoming Android lockscreen versions. However, the final appearance and whether it will be part of Android 15 remain uncertain.
