Along with the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, one of the biggest new features offered by the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max was the always-on display, however Apple’s implementation of this feature has proven controversial. However, there may be a solution soon for those who want an always-on display, but not in the way Apple initially offered it.
Apple’s current implementation of Always-on Display just dims the lock screen – but it’s still colorful and still shows everything, which is not to everyone’s taste. We’ll learn more about why this is next, but the big news is that iOS 16.2 beta 3 includes an option to customize the always-on screen.
Now, instead of just toggling it on or off, there are two extra toggles – one to choose whether to show the wallpaper, and one that lets you choose whether to show notifications.
If you turn off both of them, then, he noted 9to5Mac (opens in a new tab) – The always-on display will show the time and lock screen widgets on a black background, making it look more like the always-on displays of Android phones. This is also the kind of implementation that those who are unhappy with the current version have been asking for.
Looks nice, but I’ll stick with the fun and colorful option. pic.twitter.com/SRIXMpzub8November 15, 2022
You can see what it looks like in the tweet above from Chance Miller, editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac. Of course, some people really like Apple’s current implementation, but the version found in this beta allows you to have any version, so no one misses out.
That said, as with any beta software, there’s always a caveat that this feature might not make it to the final release, but we think that’s likely – and with iOS 16.2 likely to arrive before the end of the year, we shouldn’t be taking it long have to wait.
Analysis: too much, too bright and too much battery usage
The problems people have with Apple’s current version of the always-on display are many, but one of the main problems is that at first glance or out of the corner of your eye, it can appear as if the screen is on – which is a warning sign that a new notification has arrived and may need attention.
This, of course, is annoying, and the screen filled with notifications and other data – as is often the case with an always-on display – is also more than some people think they need this feature.
Also, by displaying a full lock screen, even a dimmed, always-on Apple display can noticeably drain battery. Whether the new iOS 16.2 beta is less battery draining remains to be seen, but it seems likely.
So, along with the recent launch of Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, this update should make everyday use on top iPhones even better.