GoKawiilRita El Khoury / Android Authority
TL;DR The lock screen on Pixel devices may soon allow users to add app shortcuts.
While other Android brands let you add widgets to the lock screen, Pixels limit users to basic shortcuts such as flashlight and camera.
Among Android OEMs, Samsung already lets users add app shortcuts to the lock screen.
The lock screen on Pixel devices may currently seem limited compared to rival Android devices. Google currently lacks the option to add lock screen widgets that a host of others, seemingly inspired by iOS, have, and currently limits users to basic shortcuts placed at the bottom of the screen — unless you use an unofficial app to tap into hidden lock screen features. That could change soon, as Google seems to be testing an option that not only outpaces other Android rivals but also iOS.
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With Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2, Google appears to be exploring the option to launch with fewer steps. Buried in the latest build’s code, we’ve found references to “App Launch Shortcut,” which could allow Pixel users to launch apps directly from their lock screen, just as they can a bunch of system features such as flashlight and camera.
While other Android manufacturers allow users to add shortcuts under the lock screen clock, Pixel users can only choose to add items at spots along the bottom two corners. On top of that, the selection is limited to options including DND, flashlight toggle, camera, Now Playing, and a handful of others. While you can technically use widgets on Pixel’s lock screen, these are full-blown versions similar to home screen widgets instead of the stripped-down ones we get from other brands.
If the Android team moves forward with the change, Pixel users would not only have the option to choose more shortcut options to add, but would also be able to make apps accessible right from the lock screen. We came across the following strings referencing the functionality, suggesting Pixel users may soon be able to add more shortcuts.
Code Copy Text <string name="app_launch_quick_affordance_setup_name">App Launch</string> <string name="app_launch_quick_affordance_setup_enablement_title">Create App Launch Shortcut</string> <string name="app_launch_quick_affordance_picker_title">Lock screen shortcuts</string> <string name="app_launch_quick_affordance_setup_enablement_action">Select App</string>
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