What is Apple’s Always-On Display?
Apple’s Always-On display (AOD), a feature initially introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, is a sophisticated display mode that allows your iPhone’s screen to remain partially active even when the phone is “locked” or in standby. Unlike traditional locked screens that are completely black, AOD maintains a dimmed version of your Lock Screen, showcasing vital information like the time, widgets, and wallpaper. This means you can quickly glance at your phone to check key details without having to fully wake the device, unlocking convenience and efficiency. It utilizes advanced technologies to minimize battery consumption, but still has some impact on battery life.
How Always-On Display Works
The magic of Apple’s AOD lies in its use of low refresh rate technology and intelligent dimming. Instead of completely turning off the display, the screen’s refresh rate is reduced to as low as 1Hz, refreshing the screen only once per second. This significantly reduces the power needed to keep the screen partially lit. Additionally, the display’s brightness is dynamically adjusted based on the ambient light, ensuring it’s readable without being excessively bright and power-hungry.
The displayed information on the dimmed Lock Screen isn’t static. It can still display live widgets, the time, your chosen wallpaper, and other notifications. However, it is important to note that the display intelligently manages this activity. For instance, when you move the phone around, the screen may dim further and refresh less frequently to conserve battery. The AOD feature has been designed to balance user experience and battery longevity.
Battery Impact and Efficiency
While the Always-On display is designed to be power efficient, it’s essential to acknowledge its impact on battery life. Tests have revealed that using AOD can indeed drain the battery at a faster rate compared to a standard locked screen. Studies suggest that the battery might drain up to 0.66% to 0.83% per hour when the AOD is active, especially with wallpaper enabled. This means that if you are using the feature for a significant duration of the day, it could have a considerable impact on overall battery performance.
Apple has put several safeguards in place to reduce battery strain. AOD is automatically disabled when the phone is face down or obstructed, not near a paired Apple Watch, when a CarPlay session starts, or when Continuity Camera is active. It also turns off during Low Power Mode, when Sleep Focus is active, or at your usual bedtime. These optimizations ensure that AOD isn’t unnecessarily active during times you are unlikely to need it.
The Advantages of Always-On Display
The primary benefit of Apple’s AOD is the convenience it provides. Being able to see the time, widgets, and notifications without having to fully activate your screen allows for quick information checks. It enhances the user experience by making the phone more readily accessible, while adding a stylish touch with the dimmed wallpaper.
It also allows users to stay informed at a glance, especially when keeping track of time and real-time information through widgets. For many users, the information provided justifies the impact on battery life, making the small trade-off worthwhile.
The Drawbacks of Always-On Display
The primary drawback of AOD is the increased battery consumption. While designed to be efficient, it’s undeniable that it contributes to faster battery depletion. If your primary concern is squeezing the most out of each charge, you might consider turning off AOD.
There may be some users who find the always-on screen distracting or prefer the traditional black screen when the phone is not in active use. Ultimately, this feature’s utility is personal, and its activation should be based on individual preference and user habits.
Is Always-On Display Worth It?
Whether Apple’s AOD is “worth it” depends entirely on your individual needs and priorities. If you value convenience and quick access to information, the AOD feature provides significant benefits. However, if maximizing battery life is your primary concern, you might find the trade-off unfavorable.
It’s also important to consider that the feature is exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, so it’s not an option for those with older models. While the technology is sophisticated, it’s ultimately about weighing convenience against battery performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which iPhone models have Always-On Display?
The Always-On display is exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Older iPhone models like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 do not have this feature.
2. How much does Always-On Display drain the battery?
On average, Always-On display can drain the battery around 0.66% per hour without wallpaper and about 0.83% per hour with wallpaper enabled. These numbers can vary based on usage and settings.
3. Can I disable Always-On display?
Yes, you can disable the Always-On display in Settings > Display & Brightness. This allows you to conserve battery if you find the feature unnecessary.
4. Does Always-On Display cause screen burn-in?
Apple uses special algorithms to monitor and adjust the pixels, reducing the risk of burn-in. While OLED screens are susceptible to burn-in over time, the risk with AOD is generally considered low.
5. Why does my Always-On display turn off sometimes?
The Always-On display will automatically turn off when the iPhone is face down or obstructed, not near a paired Apple Watch, during CarPlay, while using Continuity Camera, during Low Power Mode, when Sleep Focus is on, or at your usual bedtime.
6. Is Always-On display the same as on Android phones?
While the concept is similar, Android’s AOD often turns off all the pixels on the screen except those displaying the necessary information, saving even more battery than Apple’s AOD. Apple’s implementation has its own strengths and weaknesses.
7. How do I customize what’s displayed on my Always-On display?
You can’t fully customize the elements of the display. It shows your Lock Screen widgets, time, and wallpaper. Customization is limited to choosing which widgets to have on the Lock Screen.
8. Will using Always-On display shorten my iPhone’s lifespan?
Using Always-On display is not likely to significantly shorten the life of your iPhone. The feature is designed for regular use and should not cause any long-term harm.
9. Does dark mode affect Always-On display’s battery usage?
Dark mode has minimal impact on battery usage with Always-On display. It is more effective on apps where the majority of the screen uses black pixels and not the dimmed screen with wallpaper.
10. What is the refresh rate of Always-On display?
The refresh rate of Always-On display can go as low as 1Hz, refreshing only once per second. This greatly conserves power.
11. Can I use Always-On display while charging?
Yes, the Always-On display functions as usual while your iPhone is charging.
12. Why would I use Always-On display?
The main benefits include quick information access to things like time, widgets and notifications, allowing for faster interaction and enhanced convenience.
13. Can a software update affect Always-On display’s performance?
Yes, software updates can introduce improvements or changes to Always-On display functionality. If it feels different after an update, this is normal.
14. How can I maximize battery life when using Always-On display?
To maximize battery life, keep the number of widgets on your lock screen minimal and take advantage of the feature’s auto-off settings.
15. What was the first phone with Always-On display?
The first phone with Always-On display was the Nokia 6303 in 2008. While Apple and other Android brands have popularized it further, the concept was around for longer than many people think.