Apple WWDC 2023: New iOS 17 will turn iPhones into Smart Home devices

A new report now claims that Apple is working on making changes in its Always on Display functionality which will make the iPhone work like a smart home display. The new feature aims to make the iPhones more functional when they are lying unused on a person’s desk or nightstand. 

According to Bloomberg, the new feature will allow users to access information such as calendar appointments, weather data and notifications, among other updates, when the iPhone is locked and in a horizontal position.

The new feature will build on the lock screen widgets introduced last year with iOS 16. It will feature bright text that will be displayed on a dark background in order to make it easier for users to read the information.

Apple is also reportedly working on horizontal display functionality for iPads, but development on this front has been comparatively slower. Historically, iPads have been slower to get Apple’s new features – for example, the new iPhone lock screen introduced with iOS 16 is still not available on iPads, while the home screen widgets introduced with iOS 14 only made it to iPads with the launch of iPadOS 15.

iOS 17 is also expected to bring many new changes to the iPhones including a brand new journalling app, changes to the Wallet app on iPhones and improvements in location services. The California-based company is also expected to bring upgrades for SharePlay and AirPlay along with some changes in the Health app which will allow users to register their mood.

Apple had also recently announced the new Accessibility Features which are expected to be a part of iOS 17. Interestingly, the new Personal Voice feature which will allow users to clone their voice in just 15 minutes.

Updated: 27 May 2023, 05:42 PM IST