Apple plans to make your iPhone more functional even when it is locked. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company’s upcoming iOS 17 update will include a new capability for iPhones to display a similar interface you see in smart home displays.
Gurman noted that the feature would build on iPhone’s lock screen widgets, allowing users to see a variety of information on their screen, including the weather, calendar appointments, and notification. The information will reportedly be displayed when the device is locked and placed horizontally. It is expected to also use a dark background with bright text, making it possible to view the details on the screen from a distance, even at night.
The report adds that while it is also being planned to be delivered to iPads, it might take a while since the widgets (which were released to iPhones via iOS16 last year) aren’t still available on the said devices.
The lock screen of iPhones isn’t the only thing getting a revamp in the anticipated update from Apple. There are also a lot of other features and changes coming to the different sections of the OS, including in the Wallet app, SharePlay, and AirPlay. Other reports also claim that Apple is concocting new creations, such as the AI-powered health coach codenamed “Quartz.” Speaking of AI, the company is also hiring AI talents, which might mean improved and new AI features across the Apple ecosystem in the future. Some of these things are expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2023, where the company’s mixed-reality headset will also be revealed.
