The rumor that the iPhone 14 Pro will have an Always-On display has been going around for a long time. Mark Gurman, technology journalist at Bloomberg, is now pretty sure, thanks in part to iOS 16.
An Always-On screen will constantly show the lock screen, in a slightly different form. Something that lends itself perfectly to iOS 16’s new lock screen with widgets.
Always-On for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
“Like the Apple Watch, the iPhone 14 Pro will be able to display widgets and data while the screen, at low brightness, remains on.” That message appears in the most recent edition of Power On, Mark Gurman’s newsletter. There has long been talk of an Always-On screen, and iOS 16 has only made those rumors stronger. The new lock screen, with widgets and options for customization, lends itself perfectly to the functionality.
Incidentally, we’ve seen a similar setup before. As Gurman says, the most recent Apple Watch models, except for the SE, feature the functionality. A nice addition that does really take the smartwatch’s screen to the next level. On the other side of the market, there are already countless Android smartphones that also have such functionality. However, experience has taught us that Always-On is less important on a smartphone than on a smartwatch.
A prototype (Image: Unbox Therapy)
How much impact Always-On will have on the battery of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max is not known. What we do know is that Apple ProMotion will also be adjusted with the new models. Where the refresh rate can currently be lowered to 10Hz, the new technology will allow it to be down to 1Hz. Ideal for the functionality Gurman is talking about.
Not just the display
On the front of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, not only the screen itself will be changed. The new devices may feature a new pill-shaped notch and an improved selfie camera. This will cost Apple a lot more to produce, but will provide consumers with quite a few benefits.
Curious about what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has to say about this? Then be sure to read the article above.
