According to a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking feature in iOS 17 that will revolutionize the way we interact with locked iPhones.
This factor/feature effectively turns the lock screen into a home-style smart screen, provide users with a wealth of information even when not using the phone.

How Does It Work ?

• When the iPhone is positioned horizontally, the interface will come alive, showcasing a variety of useful titbits such as calendar appointments, weather updates, and notifications.
• The idea is reminiscent of features found in smart home devices from technology giants such as Google and Amazon.
• Apple’s aim with this feature is to enhance the utility of iPhones when they are not actively being used and are placed on a desk or nightstand.
• To ensure optimal readability from a distance, the smart home-style display will utilize a dark background with bright text, creating a visually appealing and easy-to-read interface.

The introduction of this smart home-style display feature builds upon Apple’s lock screen widgets, which made their debut last year as part of iOS 16.

These widgets allow users to glance at small snippets of information, such as weather updates and news headlines, directly beneath the time displayed on their lock screens.

While Apple is indeed working on bringing this feature to the iPad, Gurman notes that the company tends to prioritize iPhone updates over iPad updates. As a result, the lock screen widgets are not yet available on iPads, but they may be on the horizon.

Upcoming Changes in Apple Ecosystem

In addition to the smart home-style display, the Bloomberg report sheds light on other significant changes coming to Apple’s ecosystem with iOS 17. Some of which are-

• Apple plans to revamp its Wallet app on iPhones, introducing significant enhancements to its functionality.
• Additionally, the company aims to improve its location services, offering users a more seamless and accurate experience when navigating through their daily lives.
• Furthermore, Apple is said to be developing a dedicated journaling app designed to assist users in logging their thoughts and emotions—an exciting addition for those who value self-reflection and introspection.
• Another noteworthy update mentioned in the report is SharePlay, a feature that enables users to stream TV shows, movies, and music in sync with friends and family during FaceTime calls.
• Apple is currently working on updates to further improve the SharePlay experience, making it even more enjoyable and immersive for users.
• Apple’s AirPlay feature, which allows users to stream or share content from their Apple devices to Apple TV or compatible smart TVs, will also receive updates in iOS 17.
• According to Gurman, Apple has been engaging in discussions with hotels to facilitate seamless streaming of video and audio to devices that users do not personally own. This feature expansion aims to enhance the convenience and accessibility of AirPlay, making it more versatile in various scenarios.
• In a previous report, Gurman hinted at Apple’s ongoing work on emotion-tracking technology, and it is anticipated that this technology will find its way into the iPad version of the iPhone Health app in the near future.
• Alongside emotion tracking, the Health app will also include tools for monitoring and managing vision conditions like near-sightedness. These additions demonstrate Apple’s commitment to improving users’ overall well-being and providing them with comprehensive health-tracking capabilities.

Apple enthusiasts can look forward to the unveiling of the smart home-style display feature, along with iOS 17, at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5.

This highly anticipated event is expected to showcase not only iOS updates but also the introduction of Apple’s new AR/VR headset and the xrOS operating system that powers it. Additionally, attendees can anticipate updates for Mac laptops and software, making it an event packed with exciting announcements and innovations.

In conclusion, Apple’s upcoming iOS 17 release is set to introduce a wide range of features and improvements to enhance the user experience across various aspects of its ecosystem.