Google Announces Lock Screen Widgets for iOS 16

Google has announced an assortment of lock screen widgets that will be available for iOS 16.

Apple's iOS 16 software update will be available today, bringing with it the ability to customize your lock screen for the first time. Google is hoping you'll use its widgets instead of Apple's.

Your Lock Screen is the first thing you see when you pick up your phone, and Lock Screen widgets for lots of Google apps are on the way. You’ll be able to unlock your device to access your favorite Google features in just one tap — and even see some updates right on your Lock Screen.


Here's a look at the upcoming widgets from Google.

Search
Need an answer fast? Start your Google search right from your Lock Screen. You can even configure the Search widget to start searching with your voice or camera — to translate, get homework help or shop what you see.



Chrome
Try our Chrome Lock Screen widgets to quickly launch Chrome, start a search with your voice or in incognito mode, or load our beloved dino game.



Drive
Access your files with our Drive widgets. Open a suggested Drive file or your starred files and folders with a single tap to pick up where you left off with that work project or short story draft.




Google Maps
With the Maps Frequent Trips widget, get real-time traffic updates and estimated travel times to places like home and work right on your Lock Screen. When you’re ready to head out, just tap to open the app and start navigating.

You can also find restaurants, shops and other favorite nearby spots by tapping the Maps Search widget.



Gmail
Stay on top of your email with Gmail’s Lock Screen widget, which will automatically show you the number of new messages in your inbox. You can also customize the widget to see which inbox categories, like Social or Updates, contain new messages.



Google News
See real-time headlines with a quick glance at the Google News widget. And if something in particular catches your eye, simply tap to read more in the app.



Google's widgets will be available "in the coming weeks". You'll need to install the corresponding app to have the widget appear in your settings.

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