Apple introduced its first smartphone with an always-on display with the iPhone 14 Pro. Now with iOS 16.2, users get flexibility with the feature to make it more subtle. Here’s how to customize iPhone always-on display.
While the iPhone 14 Pro gaining an always-on display has been welcome overall, some have felt it’s a bit much with colored wallpapers plus notifications.
With iOS 16.2, Apple has pleased those looking for customization as you can opt to disable the wallpaper and notifications for the always-on display. That results in a more subtle – and Android-like – always-on experience.
How to customize iPhone always-on display in iOS 16.2
- Make sure you’ve updated to iOS 16.2
- On your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max open the Settings app
- Swipe down and choose Display & Brightness
- Swipe down and tap Always On Display
- Underneath the main toggle, now you can turn off your wallpaper and/or notifications
Here’s how the process looks to customize iPhone always-on display:
As a reminder, per Apple, no matter how you customize the always-on feature, the display will go completely dark if:
Your iPhone is lying face down
Your iPhone is in your pocket or bag
Sleep Focus is on
Low Power Mode is on
Your iPhone is connected to CarPlay
You’re using Continuity Camera
You haven’t used your iPhone for a while (your iPhone learns your activity patterns and turns the display off and on accordingly, including if you set up an alarm or sleep schedule)
Your iPhone detects that you moved away from it with a paired Apple Watch (Always-On display will turn on when your Apple Watch is close to your iPhone again)
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