New Always On Display Introduced with iOS 16.2 Beta 3
Intro
Apple has just released the third iOS 16.2 beta for developers, just week after the release of iOS 16.2 beta 2. This means that we are getting closer to the official release of iOS 16.2 for all. This version is not only addressing several bugs experienced by a large portion of iPhone owners running previous iOS 16 versions, but also adds a variety of new features. The big update comes for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.
New Always On Display Customization
The addition of an Always On display (AOD) has been one of the most anticipated and requested iPhone features. Apple did not disappoint once again this year. The tech that Apple wanted was finally adequately available to cover such high demand and the AOD became a reality on September 6 2022.
However, Apple’s AOD implementation was once again controversial. People wanted something that resembled the feature that we met on Windows and Android phones. Apple delivered something that looks like the AOD that has been available on the Apple Watch since 2019. Hardcore users have been complaining about the display which actually looks like it’s always on. The biggest complaint is related to the wallpaper, which is still visible while the AOD is enabled. This little detail gives the impression that the phone has not been ever locked. This has led many users disable the AOD because they preferred a more stealthy look.
Apple listened and delivered an updated version of the AOD which offers some customisation options. The biggest change is the option to disable the wallpaper or the notifications or both while enabling the always on display. The ability to use an all black AOD is basically what users have been asking for since the very first iPhone AOD concept.
New Always On Display Without Wallpaper and Settings
Live Activities still work with both the Show Wallpaper and the Show Notifications options disabled. This makes sense, since Live Activities are usually activated only when the user want to.
Opinion
Apple’s original implementation is still unique. Android phones have chosen a different path. It’s also exceptional that Apple achieves such a comparable battery life when the Always On is either activated or disabled.
However, the perception which creates for a not so small portion of iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max users that their iPhone is unlocked has created the need for Apple to approach the implementation that Android OEM’s follow for years.
The former creates a unique look that no other phone has managed to copy yet. Users get to enjoy their beautiful wallpapers even when their phone is locked. The other alternative offers a sense of calmness and also slightly better battery life. The option to silent notifications could be more beneficial for battery life though. The change is quite new. Hence, we can’t be certain about the effect that it has on battery life.
Which option do you seem to prefer for now?
