Tag: Always On

How to Manage iPhone Always-On Display

The “always-on display” feature, exclusive to Pro versions of the iPhone 14 or 15 running iOS 17+, allows users to view important information without unlocking the device. The feature can be turned off in various situations, including when the phone is face down or connected to CarPlay, when low power mode is on, or through setting up a Sleep Focus. It can be turned off or adjusted through the Display & Brightness menu in Settings. Apple plans future updates to detail the feature’s battery consumption and introduce additional focus modes.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
December 19, 203

This is for the iPhone 14 or 15 Pro. Screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 17+

An “always-on display” lets you see important information at a glance. Those with a Pro version of the iPhone 14 or 15 have this feature. It’s exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max on iOS.

Those with older iPhones need to update their phones to see any information (or use the Rise to Wake feature), but “always-on” changes all that by dimming the Lock Screen so you can still see certain data without touching your phone. Let’s explore how to take control of the iPhone’s “always-only displays” (and even turn it off if it’s not your thing).

When the Feature Turns Off

If you feel uneasy about a phone screen that never turns off, do not worry. Despite the name, Apple has done a few things to ensure the feature is not unnecessarily draining your battery (and a future iOS update may detail “always-on” battery consumption). If you do any of the following actions, the “always-on display” will turn off:

  • Place the phone face down, in your pocket, or in a bag. When charging your iPhone, we recommend placing your phone face down and when you are not using your iPhone. By doing this, your battery will last longer between charges.
  • Set up a Sleep Focus for certain times.
  • Connect to CarPlay.
  • Use the Continuity Camera feature.
  • Have low power mode turned on.

Additionally, if you have an Apple Watch connected to your iPhone, it will use your proximity to turn the screen on and off automatically. For example, if you leave your phone in the kitchen and walk upstairs, the display will turn black. When you return to the kitchen, the screen will light up.

How to Turn Off/ON

To disable the feature, head to:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display

and toggle OFF the Always On Display option. Refer to the below image:

Always 1
Always On Display option

To enable the feature, toggle ON the Always On Display option.

Other Options

If you are not ready to give up on the “always-on display” completely, there are a few options you can adjust. You can disable Show Wallpaper to prevent your phone’s wallpaper from appearing on the display. Or disable Notifications to make the screen less distracting.

Since iOS 16.4, Apple has let you schedule or automate when your iPhone’s “always-on display” is enabled using Focus modes. So you could add a filter to make the display stay on during working hours, for example, but turn it off in the evenings.

Other options coming to future updates include seeing how much battery life the “always-on display” consumes and controlling it with additional Focus modes.

Disclaimer

Technology is constantly changing; there is rarely static tech for smartphones and desktops. Thus, the contents of this post are only valid at the time of writing. Blog posts older than six months may have directions incompatible with your device or OS. Hopefully, older post content will continue to work as advertised. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life for Technology at Work For You.

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