Android 15 unveils lock screen widgets and enhanced Pixel Weather features

Key Points:

1. Android 15 reintroduces lock screen widgets through a hidden setting.
2. Pixel Weather app includes notifications, a weather map, and AI summaries.
3. Google improves widget interaction and customization options.

Google is bringing back lock screen widgets in Android 15. This feature, which disappeared nearly a decade ago, is now accessible through a hidden settings page in the latest version of Android.

Enhanced Lock Screen Widgets in Android 15

The stable version of Android 15 is almost ready. Google is expected to release it first for its Pixel series of smartphones, with other device makers following suit.

One of the most anticipated features in Android 15 is “Lock Screen Widgets.” This feature allows users to place widgets on the lock screen that require user authentication. Google had scaled back lock screen widgets about 10 years ago, but recent reports and APK teardowns suggest the feature is making a comeback. The first signs appeared a few months ago with the beta version of Android 15.

According to Android Authority, Google has made several improvements to this feature. They are calling it “Glanceable Hub,” a page that curates all the widgets for the lock screen. Google has tweaked settings to prevent widgets from overlapping and is working on making them interactable.

In the latest version, users can add up to six widgets per page. Since the Glanceable Hub is horizontally scrollable, users can add many more widgets across multiple pages.

Accessing the Feature with Gestures

To access the Glanceable Hub, users need to swipe inward from the right edge of the lock screen. This action reveals the feature, where users can add, remove, or rearrange widgets as desired. Once satisfied, users can swipe back and forth between the lock screen and the Glanceable Hub.

A long, vertical pill on the right edge serves as a visual indicator. Swiping left on the pill reveals the lock screen and Glanceable Hub. To customize the Glanceable Hub, users can long-press on an empty slot.

Pixel Weather App Enhancements

Following a recent leak, the native Pixel Weather app is now available for manual sideload. The app features a textured sun and cloud icon on a blue background and offers real-time weather, forecasts, and other details for current or saved locations. Users can sign in to sync saved locations across devices or use the app without a Google Account.

The Pixel Weather app requests notification permission, but there are no alerts in the app yet. Future updates will include:

• Precipitation notifications: Alerts for upcoming rain or snow.
• Weather forecasts: Evening notifications for the current location.

Users can rearrange most weather cards except for the Hourly forecast. The UV index card uses Material You’s scallop shape, while other cards are rounded squares or circles. The Pressure dial resembles a Wear OS Tile from the Fitbit app.

Users can change temperature units and themes by tapping their profile avatar. The app offers Light and Dark themes and a System default option.

The app is also getting a “Weather map,” with radar being a top-requested feature, and “AI Weather Summaries.”

You can install Pixel Weather from APK Mirror. It is rumored to launch with the Pixel 9 and will likely be available on all Pixel devices through the Play Store as an update to the existing weather service in the Google Clock app.