Latest Android 16 beta brings a splash of color to Pixel's always-on display

Summary

• Android 16 Beta 4 adds themed clock colors to the Always-on Display on Pixel devices.
• The AOD clock now matches the lock screen color theme in a subtle, muted tone.
• Google's Pixel AOD remains minimal but now feels more connected to the overall system theme.

Google's next version of Android is almost here. The company rolled out the final beta build of Android 16 yesterday, marking the last major step before the stable release. While Android 16 doesn't bring a major visual overhaul, it includes a number of subtle UI refinements and under-the-hood changes, like forced edge-to-edge mode for apps and the return of the notification cooldown feature.

And now, it looks like Android 16 Beta 4 brings a small but noticeable change to the Always-on Display (AOD) on Google Pixel devices.

Related

Android 16 will make unlocking your Google Pixel faster and easier

Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock comes to all Pixels

Posts 2

Compared to other Android phones, Google's Pixel devices have always offered a minimal AOD, showing just the clock, weather, battery info, and notification icons. That core functionality remains the same in the latest beta. However, one noticeable change is that the AOD clock now adopts colors from your Android 16 system theme.

Android 16 Beta 4 gives Pixel's AOD a small but colorful upgrade

Previously, even if you customized the lock screen clock color, the AOD clock always stayed the same white or gray tone, regardless of your theme system. That's now changing in the latest beta, where the AOD clock reflects the same (albeit very subtle) color as the themed lock screen clock.

I tested this on my Pixel 9a running Android 16 Beta 4 by setting the clock color to purple, and I can confirm the AOD clock also changed to a faint purple. The color is very pale and mostly visible in darker environments. And while it's not a major change, it's nice to see Google applying the system theme more consistently across the UI.

Android 16 is shaping up to be a solid release, and it's arriving earlier than expected. Meanwhile, some OEMs like Samsung are still working on rolling out Android 15-based One UI 7 to their flagship devices. The update could also include other meaningful changes, such as the return of Do Not Disturb in Quick Settings toggles and improved app installation speeds on older hardware.

Related

This upcoming Android 16 feature might be a thief’s worst nightmare

A new Android security feature is on the way

Posts 4

Thanks: Armando R.