IOS 13 Introduces Changes to iPhone’s Always On Display That May Displeasure Users

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Apple’s iOS Update: Always On Display Gets a Subtle But Important Change

Apple’s Always On display feature, a mainstay on iPhone since the iPhone 14 Pro, has received a quiet but possibly impactful update with the release of iOS 26. many users may not notice at first,but Apple has altered how the Always On Display functions,raising questions about usability and aesthetic preference.

what’s Changed With the Always On Display?

Previously, the Always On Display dimmed the iPhone’s Lock Screen wallpaper, allowing for a softened view of your chosen image while retaining crucial information like the clock and notifications. With iOS 26, Apple has introduced a default blur to the wallpaper when the Always On Display is active.

This aims to make the time and widget information stand out more clearly against the background. However, the touch is divisive, and many users will find the blurred effect detracts from the visual appeal of thier custom Lock Screen wallpaper. For those who appreciate displaying a photo on their Lock Screen, the blurred version might potentially be less desirable.

Regaining Control – the Toggle option

Fortunately, Apple acknowledged this potential issue and included a toggle to revert to the original behavior. Users can now choose between the blurred wallpaper effect and the dimmed wallpaper experience. This option is found in:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Always on Display

Here, you can disable the blurred wallpaper feature, restoring the always On Display to display your Lock Screen with the original dimmed effect. This offers adaptability,allowing users to taylor the feature to their preferences.

Why the Change?

It’s speculated the blur effect was implemented in an effort to enhance readability and reduce battery drain.The increased contrast between the information displayed and the background could achieve both.

Impact on Older Models

Interestingly, reports suggest that users of older iPhone models, such as the iPhone XS, are also able to update to iOS 18.3 and experience these feature updates.This demonstrates Apple’s commitment to supporting their user base and extending new features to older devices.

How to Choose The Right Setting for You

The best setting ultimately depends on individual preference. If you prioritize legibility and finding it difficult to see the time at a glance, the blurred effect might potentially be beneficial. However, those who appreciate the aesthetics of their Lock Screen and prefer to see it, even in a dimmed version, should explore the toggle to revert the change.

What are the primary user complaints regarding the Always-On Display implementation in iOS 17?

iOS 17 Standby Mode & Always-On Display: What Users Are Saying

The Evolution of iPhone’s Always-On Display

Apple’s introduction of the Always-On Display (AOD) with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max was a important step forward. However, the implementation in iOS 17, especially the “Standby” mode, has sparked debate.While intended to enhance usability, some users – especially those with older iPhone models like the iPhone 13 mini – are finding the experience less than ideal. The core issue revolves around the display’s tendency to revert to a locked screen after a short period of inactivity, disrupting the seamless always-on functionality. This article dives into the user experience, potential workarounds, and the future of AOD on iPhones.

Understanding the Standby Mode Limitations

Standby mode, introduced in iOS 17, transforms your iPhone into a smart display when placed horizontally while charging. It showcases widgets, photos, and clock faces. However, the AOD aspect isn’t consistently maintained.

Short Timeout: A key complaint, highlighted in user feedback from platforms like Reddit (as of July 2023), is the brief timeout period – approximately 20 seconds – before the screen requires a tap to reactivate the AOD.

iPhone 13 Mini Impact: This short timeout is particularly noticeable and frustrating on smaller iPhones like the iPhone 13 mini. The limited screen real estate makes the constant need to tap to maintain the AOD feel more disruptive.

Battery Drain Concerns: While Apple optimized the AOD for minimal battery impact, the frequent screen activations due to the timeout could potentially negate some of those savings. Users monitoring their iPhone battery life are paying close attention to this.

Why the Change? Potential Reasons & Apple’s Approach

The reasons behind this behavior aren’t officially confirmed by Apple. However, several theories circulate:

Display Technology: the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max feature ProMotion technology with a 1Hz refresh rate, enabling a true always-on display without significant battery drain. Older models lack this capability,forcing a more aggressive power-saving approach.

software Optimization: Apple may be prioritizing battery life and preventing screen burn-in on devices without the advanced display technology.

User Experience Balancing: Apple likely aims to strike a balance between the convenience of an AOD and the need to conserve battery and prevent accidental interactions.

Workarounds & User-Created Solutions

despite the limitations, resourceful iPhone users have explored potential workarounds:

Shortcuts Automation: As demonstrated by users on reddit, iOS shortcuts can be leveraged to create a pseudo-always-on display experience. These shortcuts can periodically “poke” the screen, preventing it from locking. However, this is a battery-intensive solution and not officially supported by Apple.

Raise to Wake: Enabling “raise to Wake” in Settings > Display & Brightness can definitely help keep the screen active when the phone is moved, but it doesn’t address the core timeout issue.

Third-Party Apps: While limited, some third-party apps attempt to mimic AOD functionality. However, their effectiveness and battery impact vary.

Optimized Widget Selection: Choosing widgets that don’t require frequent updates can minimize screen activations.

Impact on User Experience & Future Expectations

The current implementation of Standby mode and the AOD on older iPhones has led to mixed reactions. Users expecting a true always-on experience are often disappointed. The constant need to interact with the screen diminishes the convenience factor.

User Frustration: Many users express frustration with the frequent screen lock, especially when using Standby mode as a bedside clock or details hub.

Demand for Customization: there’s a growing demand for more customization options, allowing users to adjust the timeout period or disable the AOD altogether on older models.

iOS 18 Expectations: With the anticipation of iOS 18, many iPhone users hope Apple will address these concerns and provide a more refined AOD experience for all devices. Potential improvements include:

Optimized power management for older iPhones.

User-adjustable timeout settings.

More intelligent screen activation based on ambient light and user activity.

AOD & Battery Management: A Delicate Balance

Apple faces a challenge in balancing the convenience of an always-on display with the need to optimize iPhone battery performance. A true AOD requires significant power, and implementing it on older models without the necessary display technology could led to unacceptable battery drain. The current approach, while imperfect, represents a compromise.

Real-World Use Cases & User Feedback

Several users have reported using the shortcut workarounds successfully, but with caveats. One user on a tech forum noted that while the shortcut kept the screen on, it noticeably impacted battery life, reducing it by approximately 15-20% over a typical day.Another user found that the shortcut solution was effective for bedside use but impractical for everyday carry due to the increased battery consumption. This highlights the need for a more elegant, software-based solution from Apple.