T4K3.news
Pixel 10 Pro gains wallpaper on AOD
The Pro models now show full lock screen wallpaper on the always on display with a blur for readability.
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL gain a feature to show the lock screen wallpaper on the always on display with a blur for readability.
Pixel 10 Pro brings full wallpaper to always on display
Google has added a new ambient feature to the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL that lets the lock screen wallpaper appear on the always on display. The wallpaper is dimmed and blurred to keep essential information legible while saving power. The base Pixel 10 does not support LTPO, so the feature is not available on that model. The Ambient AOD capability was spotted in an Android 16 beta before launch and is now confirmed on the Pro line.
Enabling the feature is straightforward: go to Settings > Display > Always-on display and toggle Show lock screen wallpaper. After turning off the screen with the power button, the wallpaper should appear on the AOD. Early beta tests reported occasional flicker on older Pixels, which suggests the feature works best on hardware with advanced displays. Analysts say the current limitation is likely tied to LTPO, meaning future availability could depend on hardware refresh rate capabilities.
Key Takeaways
"Ambient AOD finally makes the lock screen feel personal"
highlights the design benefit
"This feature depends on LTPO and may move to other Pixel phones later"
hardware dependency
"A small glow of customization that respects power"
emotional note on user impact
This move fits a broader trend of weaving design and hardware into software features. By tying wallpaper display to LTPO glass, Google signals a willingness to invest in modest but meaningful personalization that also respects power use. The update also raises questions about feature parity across the Pixel lineup and how quickly software ideas move from flagship to more affordable devices. If more models gain LTPO or similar display tech, Ambient AOD could become a standard, not a one-off flourish.
For users, the upgrade adds a sense of ownership without compromising clarity or battery life. It nudges the Pixel experience toward Material 3 Expressive design, where blur and subtle motion emphasize personalization over clutter. The tradeoff is clear: more features depend on hardware, which can widen gaps between the Pro line and the base model.
Highlights
- Ambient AOD brings a personal touch to the Pixel
- LTPO hardware unlocks new display tricks
- Small feature, big sense of ownership for users
- Google folds wallpaper into the core of usability
The Pixel line continues to blend hardware and software ideas into a more personal user experience.
Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!
