The recent release of the Xcode 14 beta seems to all but confirm the arrival of an always-on display (AOD) feature for the iPhone 14 Pro lineup. AOD technology has been present on various Android devices since 2016, while Apple has only utilized it in the Apple Watch Series 5 and later models.
An AOD allows users to glance at important information without having to fully activate their display, thus saving battery life. In order for this to work, devices need a very low refresh rate. The iPhone 14 Pro models are anticipated to come with a new variable refresh rate OLED panel that will offer a range between 120Hz and 1Hz.
With the launch of iOS 16, Apple is introducing third-party lock screen widgets and a new feature called 'Live Activities' that temporarily displays information, such as sports scores or Uber arrival times, on the lock screen. These additions will enable developers to share information with users even when their apps are not in use. When combined with an AOD, third-party widgets and Live Activities can provide basic data while a user's screen remains partially inactive.
iOS developer @rhogelleim discovered that the SwiftUI preview in the Xcode 14 beta has a new behavior, allowing developers to see how their widgets will appear on an always-on screen. This finding suggests Apple's intention to support AOD-compatible widgets and activities.
Intriguingly, hidden flags have been identified in the iOS 16 beta, implying that Apple has been testing the AOD feature with the iPhone 13 Pro model. Although the iPhone 13 Pro supports a refresh rate as low as 10Hz, which could theoretically support an AOD, it would be less efficient than a 1Hz refresh rate.
Apple might consider enabling an AOD on the iPhone 13 Pro, possibly with a warning about potential battery drain, in order to expand the number of devices compatible with AOD. This would, in turn, encourage developers to create more widgets and activities optimized for this feature. An increased market share of iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro models would make it more appealing for developers to create content for AOD-compatible devices.
Increased integration with third-party services and the support of new AOD-optimized widgets on the upcoming iPhone models showcase how modern technologies are changing the way applications are developed. AppMaster, a renowned no-code platform, empowers businesses to build scalable backend, web, and mobile applications using appmaster.io/blog/full-guide-on-no-code-low-code-app-development-for-2022>no-code and low-code tools. This allows developers to deliver applications to the market much faster, while also being more cost-effective.
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