Based on code spotted in iOS 16 and tips from reputable sources, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are widely expected to get the Always On Display feature — and now we’ve got some more details on how it will look and function.
This lowdown was obtained by MacRumors (Opens in a new tab)It covers various aspects of the new feature. Widgets will be visible on the lock screen when always-on mode is enabled, for example, fade in and out in an imperceptible way to prevent screen burn-in.
With lock screen wallpapers that have depth effect, the effect will be removed and darkened in always on mode. The foreground will be darkened and colour-coded, with some shading that the user can customize.
Notifications and more
It seems as though settings like background, colors, fonts, and widgets will remain consistent between the always-on lock screen and the fully lit lock screen, so you won’t be able to set different options for the two different operating modes.
Notifications will appear on the always-on screen, according to the new information, rolling in from the bottom as soon as they arrive. A notification counter may be included at the bottom of the screen, and it looks as if the user can customize different parts of the alert alert interface.
On top of that, the status bar will be rearranged to take advantage of the extra space created by the pill-shaped cutout, another Pro model exclusive. At Apple’s event on Wednesday, September 7, we’ll find out for sure.
Analysis: Pro models separated from each other
The always-on display is one of several upgrades rumored to be exclusive to the Pro and Pro Max models of the iPhone 14 — and it’s clear that Apple has made the decision to split its flagship phone line into two distinct tiers.
If leaks up to this point can be believed, the Pro and Pro Max models will get an all-new A16 Bionic processor, while the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max stick with the A15 Bionic chipset that powers the current iPhone 13 range. It’s an approach that Apple is rumored to stick to in the coming years as well.
There has also been talk that the Pro models will come with superior screen technology as well. Add in all the usual benefits you get from Pro models, including an improved camera system compared to cheaper versions of the iPhone, and it looks like it’s going to be a huge leap to the Pro level.
That might push more people to buy expensive iPhones, but it makes the iPhone 14 seem like a less significant upgrade compared to what we already have. Time will tell if a strategy pays off for Apple.