iOS 17 rumored to turn an iPhone lock screen into a smart home display

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iOS edited May 25
In preparation for WWDC 2023, Apple is developing a new interface within iOS 17 for iPhones that will act like a smart home display, showcasing essential information.




As reported by Bloomberg, iOS 17 is set to introduce enhanced functionalities to the always-on display hardware, which could potentially serve as a stepping stone towards a future Apple smart display. It's part of a broader effort to incorporate real-time information into various aspects of the company's software.

According to sources familiar with the project, a similar display will emerge when an iPhone is locked and placed horizontally, resembling the Apple Watch in nightstand mode. This feature aims to enhance iPhones' utility when placed on a desk or nightstand, making them more convenient for users in such scenarios.

It will employ a dark background with bright text to enhance readability. This builds upon the lock screen widgets in iOS 16, allowing users to view condensed information, such as stock tickers, news updates, and temperature, below the time on their vertically oriented screen.

The iOS 17 horizontal mode could display calendar appointments, weather, and notifications.

Apple is actively investigating alternative methods to transform its devices into smart-home displays. This includes developing an affordable tablet device that magnetically adheres to walls and stands.

However, progress in that area has been relatively sluggish. The envisioned tablet device holds the potential to become Apple's foray into smart-home displays, intended to regulate devices such as thermostats and lights, display videos, and facilitate FaceTime conversations.

Other features in iOS 17 include notable updates to the iPhone's Wallet app and enhancements to location services. Additionally, a journaling app is set to debut, aiming to introduce note-taking functionality and amplify the social aspect of the device.

The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 is set to take place on June 5th at 10:00 am PT, 1:00 pm ET, with announcements for iOS 17 and other products. The event will be accessible for viewing through multiple platforms, including Apple's website, the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and YouTube.

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 28
    croffordcrofford Posts: 95member
    I wish Apple would take home automation seriously. It’s such a half-assed job so far. 
    WhiskeyAPPLEciderwilliamlondonneo-techMplsPwatto_cobrarezwitsHansJobhumanaftera11
  • Reply 2 of 28
    JapheyJaphey Posts: 1,760member
    I’ve long wanted a new UI for the Apple TV that is almost exactly like the “horizontal mode” described here. Maybe add a “Continue Watching” widget and move the current homepage to a second page/tab. Then make the whole thing optional. The old UI is boring and stale, hopefully the Apple TV is one of the devices that get this. 
    WhiskeyAPPLEciderwatto_cobrarezwitsradarthekat
  • Reply 3 of 28
    azentropyazentropy Posts: 57member
    I'd like something like this for my older iPads.
    WhiskeyAPPLEciderwatto_cobraradarthekatdewme
  • Reply 4 of 28
    9secondkox29secondkox2 Posts: 2,260member
    That’s fine so long as it’s an option. Otherwise it’s just a cluttered screen for those who don’t use it. 

    Be really great for Apple to do this for older iPhones and iPads. I keep mine and would love to install them around the house with this feature. 
    WhiskeyAPPLEciderwatto_cobrarezwitsradarthekat
  • Reply 5 of 28
    CheeseFreezeCheeseFreeze Posts: 1,209member
    I’m extremely frustrated with HomeKit. All the devices that support it are way more expensive due to license fees and many manufacturers leave out HomeKit because of it.
    Hopefully Matter will… matter… to create a more
    mature ecosystem. 

    I’m also surprised editing HomeKit scenes and automations is still so much hassle.

    This “display widgets when horizontally” makes sense but Android has had it for years now so it’s more a matter of playing catch-up.
    WhiskeyAPPLEciderwilliamlondoncg27MplsPHansJobdewme
  • Reply 6 of 28
    williamlondonwilliamlondon Posts: 1,280member
    Hey guys, don't be excited that something cool is potentially coming, just complain like morons that it wasn't here years ago. Fucking negative nellies.
    MplsPwatto_cobramike1RudeBoyRudy9secondkox2
  • Reply 7 of 28
    designrdesignr Posts: 959member
    Only for iPhone with always on displays?

    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 28
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,831member
    williamlondon said:
    Hey guys, don't be excited that something cool is potentially coming, just complain like morons that it wasn't here years ago. Fucking negative nellies.
    Yay! HomeKit is expensive and half baked with primitive programming compared to the competition but we get a new control on the Lock Screen. I’m SO STOKED!

    is that better?
    williamlondonmuthuk_vanalingambeowulfschmidtHansJob9secondkox2
  • Reply 9 of 28
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,831member
     Could be useful but I’d rather have a nightstand/clock mode. 

    Completely agree with the others- we have a system by Schlage/Nexia (now Trane Home) at home and a HomeKit system at our cabin. Enrolling devices is easier with HomeKit but the Schlage system is so much more powerful and useful. 
    williamlondonHansJob9secondkox2
  • Reply 10 of 28
    croffordcrofford Posts: 95member
    Maybe it will just be a pretty picture since the actual home automation software doesn’t work. 
  • Reply 11 of 28
    danoxdanox Posts: 2,388member
    How do you really become effective with HomeKit, without a home Mac server, Apple mesh router, some type of doorbell, cameras, or HVAC control, in short the whole nine yards software and hardware, and since Apple isn’t a monopoly most of those third-party device companies will never support Apple, not in any meaningful way that is up to the level Apple or its customers expect?
    HansJob
  • Reply 12 of 28
    designrdesignr Posts: 959member
    crofford said:
    Maybe it will just be a pretty picture since the actual home automation software doesn’t work. 
    Really? How so?

    I have an admittedly simpler HomeKit setup (few lights, couple of plugs, automations based on temperature changes) and it seems to work fine.


    watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 28
    leighrleighr Posts: 251member
    If this new horizontal Home Screen is true I would also expect to see a new Apple charging stand, and/or a HomePod with a dock. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 28
    williamlondonwilliamlondon Posts: 1,280member
    MplsP said:
    williamlondon said:
    Hey guys, don't be excited that something cool is potentially coming, just complain like morons that it wasn't here years ago. Fucking negative nellies.
    Yay! HomeKit is expensive and half baked with primitive programming compared to the competition but we get a new control on the Lock Screen. I’m SO STOKED!

    is that better?
    More like childish. Well done.
    watto_cobradesignrmike1RudeBoyRudy9secondkox2
  • Reply 15 of 28
    jeffzachariasjeffzacharias Posts: 15member
    crofford said:
    I wish Apple would take home automation seriously. It’s such a half-assed job so far. 
    Me and my 70+ HomeKit devices that work perfectly strongly disagree with this statement.
    designrRudeBoyRudyrezwits
  • Reply 16 of 28
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,236member
    designr said:
    crofford said:
    Maybe it will just be a pretty picture since the actual home automation software doesn’t work. 
    Really? How so?

    I have an admittedly simpler HomeKit setup (few lights, couple of plugs, automations based on temperature changes) and it seems to work fine.



    Works fine in much larger setups too. My system includes many outlets, bulbs, cameras, thermostat and various sensors.
    designrrezwits
  • Reply 17 of 28
    JFC_PAJFC_PA Posts: 924member
    I’d use this. My watch in nights teen mode has long been appreciated. 
  • Reply 18 of 28
    CheeseFreezeCheeseFreeze Posts: 1,209member
    designr said:
    Only for iPhone with always on displays?

    Or even the older ones, but while wirelessly charging.

  • Reply 19 of 28
    croffordcrofford Posts: 95member
    jeffzacharias said:
    crofford said:
    I wish Apple would take home automation seriously. It’s such a half-assed job so far. 
    Me and my 70+ HomeKit devices that work perfectly strongly disagree with this statement.
    Somehow I don’t think you’re being completely honest there. Or you’re not using it as a real home automation system. As a significant investor for 30 years and somewhat experienced technical person, there’s absolutely no reason for me to be negative on the technology other than it’s actual performance. 
    HansJob
  • Reply 20 of 28
    HansJobHansJob Posts: 5member
    jeffzacharias said:
    crofford said:
    I wish Apple would take home automation seriously. It’s such a half-assed job so far. 
    Me and my 70+ HomeKit devices that work perfectly strongly disagree with this statement.
    I have one Schlage lock in my home. 80% of the time, HomeKit can’t even determine the status of the lock. It’s absolutely pitiful technology. 
    muthuk_vanalingam9secondkox2
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