Google appears to be testing a major update that could greatly enhance the lock screen experience on Pixel devices. Within the recent Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 code, developers have uncovered references to an upcoming feature that may let users launch apps directly from the lock screen. This potential upgrade would move beyond the current limitations, where only a few basic options like the flashlight or camera are available as shortcuts.
The current setup restricts shortcuts to the bottom corners of the screen. Meanwhile, other Android manufacturers, such as Samsung, have already offered greater flexibility by letting users add app shortcuts under the clock. This has allowed Samsung users to personalize their lock screens and gain faster access to their most frequently used apps.
New Lock Screen Shortcut Feature
The new feature, which is now being tested, might enable users to place app launch shortcuts directly on the lock screen. This addition would bring Pixel phones in line with Samsung devices, where users have the ability to select specific apps to display on their lock screens. While the exact number of shortcuts users can add hasn’t been announced, the feature includes the ability to modify or remove shortcuts after they’ve been placed.
Google is also experimenting with a broader concept called “Quick Affordances.” These refer to interactive elements that appear on the lock screen, and they could go beyond app shortcuts. For example, users might be able to perform actions within apps directly from the lock screen, like scanning a QR code or drafting a message. The full scope of these features is still being refined, but they would significantly increase the usefulness of the lock screen beyond just launching apps.
Exploring Shortcut Placement Options
It is not yet clear where these new shortcuts will appear. They may stay in the bottom corners as they currently do, or they might be moved to a more central part of the screen, mirroring the approach taken by other device makers. Samsung and other brands have already made it possible to place shortcuts under the clock, and this could become a standard across Android, including on Pixel models.
Even though the feature is still in testing, its inclusion in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 build hints that it will first be introduced on Pixel devices. After further refinement and testing, the feature might eventually be integrated into the open-source Android code, allowing other manufacturers to adopt and adapt it for their own devices.
Developers have discovered additional strings in the code that provide more context regarding the new feature. For instance, references such as “Lock screen shortcuts” and “Create App Launch Shortcut” give a glimpse into how users might interact with the upcoming functionality. These hints suggest that the feature may include a dedicated setup process, where users can select the apps they want to appear as shortcuts. This would give them greater control over which apps are prioritized and accessible without unlocking their devices.
Limitations and Customization Possibilities
The code also includes details about the limits placed on the number of app shortcuts users will be able to add. Although the exact number of shortcuts is not yet clear, the system is designed to manage the available space and allow users to track how many they can still add. For example, a string states, “You can create up to %1$d app launch shortcuts.
The potential for multiple app shortcuts opens the door for even more customization. Currently, Pixel users have limited options for lock screen interactions, with shortcuts only available for flashlight, camera, and a few other system-level functions. The proposed change would allow users to create shortcuts for their most-used apps, making it easier to access them quickly. For example, a user might want to create a shortcut for messaging, music playback, or navigation apps, which are frequently accessed without the need to fully unlock the device.
The broader implications of this feature for Android users remain to be seen. If the feature is rolled out as expected, it could set a new standard for lock screen customization across the Android ecosystem. By introducing app shortcuts to Pixel devices, Google could influence other manufacturers to implement similar features, pushing the industry toward a more consistent and user-friendly experience.