Apple and Android users live on different sides of the planet. While a variety of skins, UIs, and looks of Android exist, the Apple mobile ecosystem has always revolved around iOS. That’s why each and every iOS update has the world watching for what game-changing upgrades could possibly come to their devices. Recently, there have been rumors that iOS 16 could carry more revisions than ever before. This includes changes to how notifications are viewed, Messages, and Health features, as well as the addition of an always on display.
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The most revolutionary for Apple users would probably be the last, which is the always on display. It’s a feature that isn’t new to Android users though as it found its humble origins in Nokia phones back in the day, but mainstream adoption mostly came in 2017. Ever since then, a lot of devices have carried this function and people can choose either to keep it on or shut it down.
It is most recognizable when used in conjunction with LED (or AMOLED) screen technology. This is because only certain parts of the screen actually need to light up, allowing users to peek at their notifications without the battery consumption required for the user to toggle the lock screen. It delivers a bit more information than the notification flashing light but uses less power than the lock screen itself. Many find this to be an acceptable middle ground.
Analysts claim that the feature could come shipped with the new iPhone 14 models, and eventually be aired through software updates on LTPO-screened variants. On the other hand, not much has been said about the iPad.
This Always On display tech is the biggest change to the Apple iOS lock screen by far, in addition to the rumored new tile widget system that could also be implemented in iOS 16. Only time will tell whether these features will actually make it to the hands of consumers and how polished they’ll be by then.
At the very least, Apple has the time and examples around the market to take inspiration from, so we can set the bar high when it comes to our expectations.