A new feature called “Min Mode” has reportedly been discovered in development builds of Android 17, suggesting Google is preparing to give users more control over their Always-On Display (AOD) experience. This mode aims to optimize battery usage by displaying minimal information on the screen while keeping essential details accessible.

A Lighter, Smarter Always-On Display Experience

According to early reports, the Min Mode will likely serve as a simplified version of the current AOD. Instead of showing extensive notifications, wallpapers, or full-color elements, this mode may limit the screen to only essential items — such as the time, battery percentage, and basic status icons. This design aligns with Google’s focus on energy efficiency and minimalism, especially for devices using OLED panels, where darker pixels consume less power.

Hints Found in Android 17’s Code

Developers have reportedly found references to “Min Mode” strings within Android 17’s SystemUI and Settings components, though the feature isn’t active yet. The code hints at an experimental toggle allowing users to enable or schedule Min Mode during specific conditions — such as low battery, nighttime hours, or ambient mode activation.

Battery Optimization Meets User Customization

Google has been gradually improving its AOD implementation with every Android release. With Android 17, the company appears to be blending adaptive intelligence with manual customization, allowing users to fine-tune how much information they want displayed when the phone is idle. This could also work hand-in-hand with Adaptive Charging and Doze Mode for even longer standby times.

Expected Rollout and Device Compatibility

While the Min Mode feature is still under development, it’s expected to debut first on Pixel devices — possibly in Pixel Feature Drops or Android 17 Beta builds in 2025. Once refined, the functionality might extend to other OEMs that adopt Google’s AOD APIs in future Android versions.

A Subtle But Significant Upgrade

If finalized, Min Mode could mark a thoughtful upgrade for users who prefer a more discreet AOD setup without sacrificing quick access to essential information. As Google continues refining Android 17, more details about the feature’s visual design and customization options are expected to surface in upcoming developer previews.