With WWDC 23 inching closer, Apple is gearing up to unveil an exciting new interface for iPhone in the new iOS 17 update. This interface will serve as a smart home display, showcasing essential information and introducing enhanced functionalities to the always-on display hardware. iOS 17 will also bring improvements to SharePlay and AirPlay.
Smart display mode coming to iPhone with iOS 17 alongside upgrades to existing features
It appears that iOS 17 is shaping up to be a major update for iPhone with three new significant upgrades.
New Display Mode
According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a smart display mode for iPhone. The display mode will appear when an iPhone is locked and placed horizontally, reminiscent of the Apple Watch in nightstand mode. The feature aims to enhance the utility of iPhones when placed on a desk or nightstand, offering greater convenience for users in those scenarios.
The view will appear when an iPhone is locked and positioned horizontally, operating similarly to dedicated displays offered by Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Amazon.com Inc., according to people familiar with the project. The idea is to make iPhones more useful when they’re, for example, lying on a person’s desk or nightstand.
The new display will use a dark background with bright text, significantly improving readability. This development builds upon the lock screen widgets introduced in iOS 16, enabling users to view condensed information, such as stock tickers, news updates, and temperature, right below the time on their vertically oriented screen.
In horizontal mode, the new display mode will be capable of displaying calendar appointments, weather updates, and notifications, providing users with quick access to essential information without the need to unlock their devices.
Improved SharePlay experience
As part of the upcoming iOS 17 update, Apple is also focusing on enhancing SharePlay, a feature that allows iPhone and iPad users to watch TV shows, movies, and listen to Apple Music together with others. While specific details about the upgrades remain undisclosed, it is worth noting that SharePlay did not receive any attention in the previous iOS 16 release.
Expansion of AirPlay to hotels and other locations
In addition to SharePlay, Gurman also states that iOS 17 will bring improvements to AirPlay. Apple has reportedly been in discussions with hotels and other establishments that provide TVs and speakers, aiming to simplify the process of streaming video and audio to devices that users do not own.
This move appears to be Apple’s attempt to tap into a market similar to Google’s casting features, which are already integrated into many hotels. By expanding the availability of AirPlay to more locations, Apple seeks to offer users greater convenience and accessibility.
Other new features expected to debut in iOS 17 are a new journaling app, and the Wallet app is set to receive notable improvement. The Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 is scheduled to take place on June 5th at 10:00 am PT and 1:00 pm ET.
