New Android 16 Beta Introduces Vibrant Colors to Pixel’s Always-On Display Feature

Android 16 Beta 4 introduces themed clock colors to the Always-on Display (AOD) on Pixel devices. Now, the AOD clock aligns with the muted color theme of the lock screen, enhancing its visual coherence. While Google’s Pixel AOD has always maintained a minimalistic design, this update contributes to a more integrated look with the overall system theme. As we approach the final release of Android 16, Google has rolled out its last beta build, which marks a significant step before the stable version goes live.

Despite not offering a major visual overhaul, Android 16 incorporates subtle refinements to the user interface and various under-the-hood enhancements. These include a forced edge-to-edge mode for applications and the reinstatement of the notification cooldown feature. In terms of the Always-on Display, Android 16 Beta 4 presents a small yet impactful change. Historically, Google’s Pixel devices have featured a simplistic AOD that displayed only essential information such as the clock, weather, battery status, and notification icons.

This functionality persists in the new beta, but the AOD clock now reflects colors from the Android 16 system theme. Previously, the AOD clock remained a constant white or gray tone, even if users customized the lock screen clock color. The new update allows the AOD clock to take on colors that correspond to the lock screen. I personally tested this on my Pixel 9a running Android 16 Beta 4, setting the clock color to purple, and observed that the AOD clock subtly changed to a faint purple as well.

Although the color is quite pale and most visible in low-light conditions, it signifies a nice step towards consistency in the user interface. Overall, Android 16 is shaping up to be a robust release, launching sooner than expected. In contrast, some manufacturers, like Samsung, are still in the process of implementing Android 15-based One UI 7 for their flagship models. This upcoming update may bring additional enhancements, including improved Quick Settings features and faster app installation on older devices.