Google is working on a new feature for Android 17 called “Min Mode”, which could make the Always-On Display (AOD) much more useful.
 |
| Image Credit: Android Authority |
This new feature will allow apps from other developers to show simple and small pieces of information on the screen even when your phone is locked or idle. Right now, the Always-On Display only shows basic details like the time, battery percentage, and notifications.
The new Min Mode feature was discovered inside Android’s SystemUI code, especially in the part related to the Always-On Display. This means Google is still testing and building it for the next Android version. Min Mode will not replace the current AOD feature but will work alongside it. It will use the same low-power screen settings, such as dim brightness, slower refresh rates, and fewer colors, to save battery while still showing information.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Rumoured to Arrive in Bold New Colours and Smarter Design in 2026
When an app supports Min Mode, your phone will automatically switch to it when the screen is off. This will let the app show its own simple and clean interface on the display. App developers can make this work by adding something called “MinModeActivity” to their app and linking it using a “MinModeProvider” so the system knows what to display.
For example, if you are using Google Maps and you lock your phone, instead of seeing just the clock, you might see turn-by-turn directions in a plain black-and-white design on your Always-On Display. This means you can still glance at directions without unlocking your phone, and it will use very little battery power.
 |
| Image Credit: Yahoo |
Reports suggest that Google Maps will likely be one of the first apps to use Min Mode. A recent look inside the app’s code showed a new “power-saving mode” that has a simple monochrome interface. This design matches how Min Mode is expected to work. It will be especially useful for long drives or navigation sessions, helping users see the most important details while saving battery life.
For users, Min Mode means the locked screen will become smarter and more helpful. Instead of showing only the time and battery level, it could show live updates from apps—like fitness progress, music info, or smart home controls—without draining the battery. For developers, this opens new possibilities to create small, useful, and power-efficient display layouts that appear when the phone is idle.
Currently, Min Mode is still being developed and not yet active on Android devices. It is expected to be introduced officially when Android 17 is released. Once it arrives, this feature could completely change how people use their phones while locked. Instead of an idle screen doing nothing, your phone might keep showing useful and real-time information in a simple, battery-friendly way.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Leaks Reveal Big AI Upgrades, New Chipset, and Major Camera Boosts