Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to be revealed on October 4, the same day Google debuted the original Google Pixel and Google Pixel 2.
Both devices could bring some major changes to this popular smartphone brand but the Pixel 3 XL, in particular, is thought to be the most radically different with improvements including supercharged internals, a revamped camera system and a brand new design.
The forthcoming flagship has been plagued by leaks with images and video emerging of an alleged Pixel 3 XL model with a screen featuring a notch.
And now it appears a new feature of the phone has been discovered that will improve one of Android’s best features.
Always-on displays have become increasingly popular following the initial debut of the functionality on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.
The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL included the feature – it allows the time, date and notifications to be viewed without having to manually turn the smartphone on.
But the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL could allow users to set their own wallpapers for the always-on display.
XDA-Developers recently insisted it had found source code pointing towards such a feature.
The publication noted the wallpaper will not remain on the always-on display all the time.
Instead the functionality will remove itself after a minute – it is currently unknown whether the time can be adjusted.
A recent video from a user on Telegram briefly showed the new feature, spotted by 9to5Google.
The same user posted a clip of themselves unboxing an alleged Google Pixel 3 XL device.
Inside the packaging there appeared to be a new version of the Pixel Buds that were first shown off by the tech giant last year.
The headphones were wired this time around and featured a USB-C connector.
This suggests the latest round of Pixel phones will not come with a headphone jack.
The ability to add a wallpaper appears to be a subtle tweak that is highly customisable.
Although such a function would be new for a Pixel phone, Samsung already allows users to heavily customise their always-on displays.
Users of the latest Galaxy Note and S line of hardware are able to add photos to the always-on display in addition to GIFs.
Android fans eagerly anticipating the debut of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will not have to wait long.
The devices are expected to be announced on October 4.