The latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta suggests that Google Pixel phones may soon support Always-On Display (AOD) wallpapers. Google’s implementation of this feature is distinctive due to its unique blur effect, which sets it apart from similar offerings by other manufacturers.
Recently, Android Authority reported that a GIF showcasing Android 16’s upcoming Live Updates feature hinted at the AOD wallpapers for Pixel devices. Mishaal Rahman, writing for Android Authority, has provided further evidence that this feature is indeed in the works, although it includes a twist not seen on other devices.
While exploring the Android 16 QPR1 beta, Rahman managed to activate a feature that is currently unavailable in the standard beta. This new addition allows users to toggle a setting labeled “Show lock screen wallpaper” under the Always-On Display options.
In a demonstration, Rahman showcased this feature on the Pixel 8 Pro, indicating its functionality. Despite competitors like Apple and Samsung having offered AOD wallpaper capabilities for a while, no existing Pixel phones support this feature.
The upcoming Pixel 9 Pro, equipped with a Super Actua Display featuring an LTPO panel, is theoretically positioned to support AOD wallpapers without significant battery consumption. However, it remains unclear when this feature will officially launch or which devices will support it first, with speculation suggesting that the Pixel 10 series may be the first to receive it.
Unlike the traditional AOD wallpapers of Samsung and Apple, which often appear as darker versions of lockscreen images, Google’s design incorporates a frosted glass blur effect. This innovative touch enhances the aesthetic appeal of the AOD wallpaper on the Pixel 8 Pro, setting Google’s version apart from those provided by other OEMs.
Although Rahman was able to enable this feature, it is not yet intended for public use. The hope is that it will become available with the stable release of Android 16 QPR1 later this year.
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