- Proof of a standby mode of Android has been viewed
- That would be enabled on locked, charging phones
- IPhone -equivalent was introduced with iOS 17 in 2023
Android 16 could begin to be pushed out to the masses within the next month, and signs of another imminent new feature have been seen hidden in the platform code: a version of iOS standby mode for Google-driven phones.
This has been discovered by Android Authority and relates to code hidden in Android 16 Beta and Google Play Services. The most important reference is that casting content from “standby-friendly” devices that strongly suggest phones and tablets in standby mode.
If you are not familiar with standby mode on iOS, it will show a clock and other widgets on the iPhone screen when placed horizontally and is charged. Combine it with a Magsafe charger and it essentially transforms a locked iPhone into a smart screen.
While the proof of Google doing something similar with Android 16 is pretty easy right now, it would make sense that something like this is introduced: It is a practical feature to have, as is shown with third -party standby mode options for Android.
Chargers and hubs
Another piece of the puzzle is the QI2 charging standard that brings a Magsafe-like wireless charging experience to Android phones. Support for this is limited right now, but more Qi2-ready Android phones are expected within the next year.
It also seems that Google is preparing to add a standby button to Android interface, again as indicated by Hidden Code, and it seems that the display setting will build on top of the existing HUB mode available on the Google Pixel tablet.
Many more features are expected in Android 16, based on what Google has already told us what is now available in the beta software and what has been seen in leaks. We know that the software comes with an updated look and new security and battery features.
We will almost certainly hear more about Android 16 on the Google I/O 2025 event that will start tomorrow and will include updates about AI, Android, Chrome and more. You can get all the news from I/O right here at Techradar and watch live.
