What’s New for Widgets in Android 16 (2025)?

Written By Harald Sand
Android 16 Logo Release

Widgets are back in the spotlight – and the latest Android 16 update (2025) proves it. For years, widgets felt basic and forgotten, but now Google is giving them fresh features that make your home screen smarter, more personal, and way more fun.

If you’ve been searching for animated widgets for Android, funny home screen apps, or just a reason to rediscover widgets, this update has some magic in store.

Pixel VIPs Widget – New in Android 16 (June 2025 Pixel Drop)

The Pixel VIPs widget is one of the biggest highlights of Android 16, rolling out with the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. It’s all about keeping your most important people right on your screen:

  • Pin your top contacts to the home screen

  • See real-time updates and reminders

  • Prioritize them even during Do Not Disturb

This is more than just a shortcut – it’s a whole new way to stay connected without opening any apps.

At a Glance Widget Redesign – Android 16 Beta (May 2025)

Google has also reworked its classic At a Glance widget in the Android 16 Beta (May 2025). The new design is:

  • Smaller and more compact

  • Positioned closer to the search bar

  • Freeing up an extra row on your home screen

That extra space means you can finally fit more apps – or experiment with creative, animated widgets like ours.

Play Store Widget Discovery – Android 15 Update (March 2025)

Even before Android 16, Google made a big step in March 2025 (Android 15 update): the Google Play Store got a new way to highlight widgets.

  • A dedicated widget category was added

  • Apps with widgets now get a special badge

  • A new Widget Hub makes it easier to discover trending and unique widgets

This means if you’ve ever struggled to find cool widgets, the Play Store is finally making it simple.

Why It Matters – And Where We Come In

For a long time, Android widgets were treated like an afterthought. But with Android 15 and now Android 16, Google is clearly showing that widgets are an essential part of the phone experience again.

And that’s exactly why Widget Wizard exists. Normal widgets are boring and static – we create animated, funny, and unique widgets for Android that bring real magic to your screen. Something you won’t even find in the Play Store itself.

Harald Sand