Technology from Apple named Always-On Display changed smartphone usage because users can monitor essential information without activating their screens. The function has progressed dramatically during the last decade specifically within Apple’s product line. This article provides a guide that covers all important aspects of Always-On Display functionality on iPhones, including its integration with your watch .
The Evolution of Always-On Display in iPhones
AOD technology first entered the iPhone world when Apple released its iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022. Apple maintained its opposition to bring the feature before the iPhone 14 launch although other Android-running devices enabled it for multiple years standby mode. Apple incorporated a major disruption in its display technology strategy within this milestone.
The iPhone 15 Pro series implementation in 2023 advanced the technology until it became available on every iPhone model during 2024. The solution diverges from standard Android displays since Apple combines operational needs with power optimization techniques in their methodology home screen.
Which iPhone Models Have Always-On Display?
In April 2025 three iPhone models offer Always-On Display including the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max together with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max series, which can function effectively as a bedside clock older iphone models .
- iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
- iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
Underscore device users have the benefit of this feature but the basic iPhone 14 and 15 releases lack this capability other iphone models. The different display technologies between iPhone models determine why some models receive the Always-On Display feature while others do not.
How Always-On Display Works on iPhones
Iphones implement their Always-On Display feature unlike most Android implementations auto lock. In Android devices screen visibility consists of black backgrounds with white text elements along with icons yet Apple adopted a strategy that dims the entire Lock Screen interface, while keeping camera functionality accessibl .
Technical Implementation
Device operation of the iPhone Always-On Display technology depends on multiple essential components.
- A ProMotion Display Technology enhances the functionality by using Apple’s ProMotion displays that feature a variable refresh rate to enable screen rates down to 1Hz when the device remains idle. The important battery preservation procedure requires this substantial refresh rate reduction.
- The Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) technology allows efficient AOD functionality through its variable refresh rate capacity. The feature depends on advanced display technology which establishes this functionality.
- iOS-powered A-Series chips utilize a display controller to regulate information display on the Always-On Display while optimizing power consumption.
The iPhone display undergoes a major dimness transition instead of complete power-off when it is locked or when usage ends apple watch. When the display dims the wallpaper darkens down while complications continue to display but refresh their content only occasionally.
What Information Can You See on iPhone’s Always-On Display?
The Always-On Display of iPhone presents various information during its dimmed state.
- Current time and date
- Lock Screen widgets/complications
- Notifications (as they arrive)
- Music playback controls
- The picture on your Lock Screen shows a dimmed appearance
- Live Activities (sports scores, food delivery status along with other types) function on the display.
Total black backgrounds fail to maintain Android screens since Apple maintains both Lock Screen appearance and decreased brightness levels and reduced refresh rate.
Customizing the Always-On Display on iPhone
You can modify the Always-On Display feature through different options that Apple provides.
Enabling or Disabling the Feature
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Display & Brightness
- Scroll to find Always-On Display
- Users can activate or deactivate the feature by toggling the switch present under the settings menu.
Privacy Features
iPhone allows users to configure their Always-On Display settings for protecting sensitive data through three position detection methods including pocket and bag placement and screen face down positioning. The sensors built into iPhone phones execute these privacy measures through detecting when the display should become active.
Battery-Saving Adjustments
People who worry about battery depletion can adjust the timing when Always-On Display becomes active to help save power .
- During sleep hours the Sleep Focus mode activates an automatic disabling of AOD function
- The operating system disables AOD automatically when you enable Low Power Mode so the battery life improves.
- Users can program automated actions with personal automations to control whether AOD comes on depending on particular conditions like time intervals, geographic locations or active applications
Battery Impact of Always-On Display on iPhones
The Always-On Display functionality poses a key issue regarding reduced battery performance for users. The battery performance of Always-On Display receives enhancement through multiple optimizations from Apple.
- The power consumption drops dramatically to 1Hz refresh rate levels instead of standard usage
- The display dims to approximately 20% of its normal brightness
- The software implements automatic pausing of all animations coupled with dynamic content operations.
- The system minimizes background processes which update the display screens.
The feature of Always-On Display shortens battery existence during regular daily usage by between 5 and 8% according to Apple documentation and external investigations. The hardware and software adaptations implement an overall modest reduction effect.
Always-On Display on iPhones vs. Android Devices
The methods for always-on display implementation show major differences between iPhones and Android devices.
Visual Approach
- iPhone displays the complete Lock Screen design with a significant visual dimming effect which preserves the wallpaper along with widgets
- The Android display shows time date and notifications while using a totally dark background.
Customization
- Users of iPhone can only activate or deactivate the feature and personalize their Lock Screen interface.
- Android lets users extensively customize their AOD interface by allowing them to chose various clock types alongside notification indicator and edge lighting features.
Power Efficiency
- iPhone makes use of ProMotion technology that implements variable refresh rates.
- Android smartphones use different methods to achieve this feature with variable refresh rates adopted by a few manufacturers while others achieve results through software optimization only.
Future of Always-On Display on iPhones
Future developments in display technology will lead to multiple enhancements of the always-on display feature in iPhone devices.
- Future customization features would let users determine exact screen displays for their phones.
- Better power efficiency improvements will occur through Apple`s ongoing efforts to perfect its chip designs.
- When display technology costs decrease the feature can potentially be added to a wider range of iPhones models
- New contextual information integration occurs through Apple Intelligence features
The patent filings from Apple demonstrate continuous exploration of energy-efficient display technology developments which may advance AOD features while decreasing power consumption.
Troubleshooting Always-On Display Issues on iPhone
Users typically experience problems with their Always-On Display feature from time to time.
Display Not Staying On
Users should perform these checks when the Always-On Display displays unexpected shutdowns:
- When Low Power Mode is activated through the system (AOD gets disabled).
- When Sleep Focus or any other Focus mode activates along with its AOD disabling setting.
- Users need to verify the feature stands active at Settings > Display & Brightness.
Battery Drain Concerns
Users need to check their battery status when AOD remains enabled while causing heavy battery consumption.
- Your system should be updated to iOS’ newest version since the latest updates provide enhancements for power efficiency
- The display wakes frequently due to applications sending numerous notifications so check those installations for potential excessive notification behavior
- It is advisable to keep your Lock Screen setup basic by removing extra widgets.
Feature Not Available
Checking for the Always-On Display feature in settings starts with confirming your iPhone edition supports this functionality. This feature can be found exclusively on iPhone 14 Pro models and their succeeding Pro series devices alongside the iPhone 16 series variations.
The Technology Behind Always-On Display
The appearance of Always-On Display on iPhones incorporates multiple technological advancements into one system:
OLED vs. LCD
All information presentation on Always-On Display uses OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology. An OLED display operates differently from LCD because it uses pixel-specific illumination rather than requiring backlighting across the whole screen area. The selective pixel control method allows smartphones to conserve power during display of minimal content.
ProMotion and Variable Refresh Rate
Through its ProMotion technology Apple enables the screen refresh rate to change automatically according to the displayed content. In all circumstances relating to Always-On Display operation this allows:
- Standard usage: 60-120Hz refresh rate
- Through Always-On mode the display performs refreshing operations at rates beginning from 1 Hz.
Developing the refresh frequency between 60 to 120 times lower produces direct power conservation because each refresh operation requires energy use. By considering both content presentation and user contacts the display controller finds the most suitable refresh rate.
Display Brightness Management
An iPhone display running in Always-On mode operates at brightness levels that are only 20% of what standard brightness provides. The configured brightness reduction under Always-On mode enables information visibility across most lighting conditions and promotes power efficiency. Whiles the ambient lighting detector works in the background it controls visibility as conditions change based on observed brightness levels.
Always-On Display and iOS Integration
The system seamlessly integrates the Always-On Display feature with various iOS platform functions.
Focus Mode Integration
During particular Focus mode states the Always-On Display changes its operational rules. For example:
- During Sleep Focus the function disables Always-On Display.
- The Work Focus option controls what appearance notifications will have on the AOD display.
- Users can create different Custom Focus modes which enable customized Always-On Display behaviors.
Live Activities
Live Activities receive a perfect match with Always On Display through the iOS 16 update. glEnable live Activities feature presents real-time notifications that monitor ongoing activities such as:
- Sports scores
- Food delivery tracking
- Ride-sharing ETAs
- Timer countdowns
Customers can view Live Activities updates through the Lock Screen without phone usage when they activate Always-On Display mode.
Benefits of Always-On Display on iPhones
This functionality provides several useful advantages to individuals who use iPhone devices.
Reduced Phone Interactions
Users avoid needing to wake their phone because essential information remains visible from their initial glance. Users spend less time interacting with their phones and form fewer habits of unnecessary checking through this feature.
Improved Notification Management
The display keeps time-critical alerts in view so users can notice critical updates without becoming compulsive about responding to each notification.
Ambient Information Access
The AOD function enables professionals to receive critical updates about their calendar and weather without needing to touch their device.
Aesthetic Value
The locked screen with a customized design functions as both a decorative and informational desk clock or nightstand clock depending on its place of rest.
Conclusion
Premium iPhone models currently include Always-On Display technology because Apple added it to the iPhone 14 Pro series in 2022. The way Apple implemented this functionality merges design elements with power optimization to present a distinctive Apple take on a feature which Android fans received previously.
The technology functions with ProMotion and LTPO OLED panels to deliver power efficient operation for everyday usage. The display capability is expanding among Apple products while its presence depends on different iPhone versions until display technology enables its standard implementation.
Generous users who maintain compatible devices can view essential brief information with their Always-On Display without having to completely activate their devices while striking an equilibrium between display usage and power consumption. Future iOS updates from Apple will deliver better customization options together with enhanced efficiency to the Always-On Display feature.