Compared to Android, Apple’s strategy for the iPhone 14 Pro series’ always-on display is different, and it’s not always a good one.
For instance, on the Samsung Galaxy S22, AOD functions as a distinct entity from the standard lock screen and displays a limited amount of information, including the time and date, while the phone is still in sleep mode. It functions similarly to a productivity tool, enabling you to quickly check your phone to see what’s essential without being distracted.
This article is included in CNET’s collection of news, information, and ideas about Apple’s best-selling device, Focal Point iPhone 2023.
And I think that’s what an always-on display ought to be.
See also: Which Camera Is Better, the iPhone 14 Pro or the Galaxy S22 Ultra?
For better or worse, depending on your point of view, Apple has redefined what the always-on display on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max should be.
The logo of CNET Tech Tips
The always-on display in Apple’s iOS 16 concept is just a lowered version of your lock screen: The time and date are lighted, but your background and the stack of alerts at the bottom of the screen are still somewhat visible.
That kind of always-on display functionality might be ideal for some folks. You don’t need to wake up your phone or touch your screen to see what’s happening.
The key “but” for me, however, is this. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max fall short if you consider the always-on display to be more of a productivity benefit. With all of the alerts that keep popping up and waking up the screen, I find it to be a little too distracting. It’s also just too bright, which is an issue if you’re trying to go asleep with your iPhone on your nightstand.
Additionally, Apple has heard the grievances. When AOD is enabled, you may disable the wallpaper backdrop and notifications in iOS 16.2, which is now in developer beta. However, it is anticipated that this software upgrade will not be available until mid-December.
Fortunately, you can now resolve some of AOD’s problems by turning on a function that disables all alerts from disturbing you and turns most of your display entirely black. And you wouldn’t believe how apparent it is.
How to darken the iOS 16 always-on screen on your iPhone
We’ll be utilizing Focus, which helps to decrease distractions by silencing most alerts on your iPhone, including as Do Not Disturb, while providing distinct profiles and customisation, to make your always-on display darker and less distracting.
Navigate to Focus in the Settings app, then choose a profile: The simplest choice is Do Not Disturb, but you may also choose Personal, Sleep, or Work. Toggle on Dim Lock Screen by selecting Options in the Focus profile of your choice. Your lock screen will be muted to a darker than normal level whenever this particular profile is active.
iOS 16’s Dim Lock Screen feature
You may choose any Focus profile, including Do Not Disturb.
Nelson Aguilar/CNET screenshot
You may either press on Do Not Disturb (if you utilized that profile) or hold down on Do Not Disturb to bring up your other Focus profiles. To activate your Focus profile, swipe down from the top-right of your screen to bring down the Control Center.
The always-on display of your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max should be completely dark after selecting the appropriate Focus mode, displaying just the time, date, and Do Not Disturb indicator.
Check out our reviews of the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max as well as a cheat sheet that has all the information you want regarding the iPhone 14 series if you’re interested in learning more about the device.