Report: Apple Could Bring Always-on Display Feature on New iPhones
- Laurent Giret
- May 30, 2022
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Apple could be planning to unveil big updates for the iOS lock screen at its WWDC conference next week. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple has been working on a new always-on display capability for the iOS lock screen that may be exclusive to new iPhones launching this Fall.
“Apple is planning major enhancements for the lock screen, including wallpapers that have widget-like capabilities,” Gurman wrote. “Further, I’m told iOS 16 builds in future support for an always-on lock screen, something Apple was originally planning for last year’s iPhone 13. This would allow the iPhone to turn down the frame rate significantly on the lock screen and display quickly glanceable information—similar to newer Apple Watches.”
According to Gurman, this new always-on lock screen could be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models. Other updates on the top-of-the-line iPhone models may include a smaller notch hiding a new front-facing camera, a 48MP rear camera, a faster A16 chip, and support for sending emergency texts over satellite networks.
Gurman also made a couple of other predictions for the rest of Apple’s software platforms: iPadOS 16 is expected to revamp multitasking (still a weak point on Apple’s tablets), while watchOS could add changes to watch faces and a new low-power mode. On macOS, some of Apple’s apps could get a redesign with System Preferences possibly taking some inspiration from the iOS Settings app.
Last but not least, Gurman reiterated that Apple could reveal a redesigned MacBook Air powered by a new M2 chip at WWDC, though supply chain issues could still change the company’s plans. Apple’s annual developer conference will be on June 6-10 and you can find more details about the program on this page.