SamFw
Samsung allows users to add widgets to the lock screen on Galaxy phones and tablets. However, the feature currently only supports widgets from Samsung's system apps. This could change with One UI 8.0, as Google is planning to integrate third-party widget support into the lock screen in Android 16.
In a recent blog post, Google confirmed that Android 16 QPR1 will allow Pixel phones to add widgets to the lock screen. Notably, the feature will be included in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in the summer of 2025, bringing support for widgets from all apps. Samsung could leverage this feature in One UI 8.0, which is based on Android 16, to expand the customization of the lock screen on Galaxy devices.
In fact, the Google Pixel Tablet already supports lock screen widgets, but it's not a native Android feature. Google added it separately on its tablet line. With Samsung integrating lock screen widget support from Android 16, users will be able to easily add more widgets, such as Google Home to control smart home devices even when the phone is locked.
Android 16 is expected to launch three months earlier than usual. Some sources say that Samsung is planning to release One UI 8.0 on time, not repeating the delay of One UI 7.0 based on Android 15, which was delayed by three months. Samsung may even skip One UI 7.1 and One UI 7.1.1 to ensure One UI 8.0 is released on time. Previously, a test build of One UI 8.0 was spotted on the Galaxy S25, suggesting that Samsung is speeding up the software update schedule for its devices.
