Google is currently developing single-category widgets for the Play Store, allowing users to pin specific app collections directly to their home screens. According to an APK teardown of version 52.1.26-31 of the Google Play Store app by Android Authority, these upcoming widgets will move away from the current multi-category format to offer more granular control over home screen organization.
How will the new Play Store widgets change app organization?
Current Play Store widgets force users to choose between a compact icon-based view or a larger list view that displays multiple Collections at once, such as “Shop,” “Listen,” or “Food.” As reported by Android Authority, the upcoming update aims to change this by enabling users to select individual, single-flavor widgets. This shift mirrors a broader trend in Android interface design, where users increasingly prefer modular, highly specific home screen elements over broad, cluttered containers.
The Google Play Store first introduced Collections two years ago to help users discover apps based on specific themes rather than generic search queries.
Why does this update matter for Android users?
The move toward single-Collection widgets provides a higher level of personalization for the Android home screen. By allowing users to isolate their most-used categories, Google is reducing the friction required to access specific types of apps. While current widgets often truncate lists depending on their size, dedicated widgets for individual categories ensure that a user’s preferred content remains visible and accessible without requiring extra taps or scrolling.
When can users expect these widgets to arrive?
While code for the new widgets has been identified in version 52.1.26-31, the features are not yet active for public use. According to the Android Authority report, the functionality is currently in a preliminary development phase. This means the feature cannot yet be deployed to a home screen for testing, and there is no confirmed release date. As with all APK teardowns, these findings represent work-in-progress code that may be modified or omitted before a public rollout.
If you want to stay ahead of UI changes, keep an eye on your Play Store version. You can check your current version by tapping your profile icon in the Play Store, selecting Settings, and viewing the About section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these new single-Collection widgets today?
No. These widgets are currently hidden in the app code and are not available to the public in the current version of the Google Play Store.
What is an APK teardown?
An APK teardown is an analysis of a mobile app’s installation file to uncover hidden or upcoming features that developers are currently working on but have not yet released.
Will these widgets replace the existing ones?
It is likely that these will be offered as additional options alongside existing widgets, though Google has not released official documentation on the final implementation.
What category of apps do you find yourself opening most often? Would a dedicated widget for your favorite category change how you use your phone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
