iOS 17 might be able to turn your iPhone into a smart display

iOS 17 will include a new feature that could turn an iPhone into a smart display.

iPhone 14 Pro with always-on display (Image credit: Apple)

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A new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that iOS 17 will include a new feature that could turn an iPhone into a smart display. According to the report, iOS 17 can turn an iPhone screen into a smart display when locked, and this feature is said to work in both portrait and landscape modes.

This functionality is said to turn an iPhone into an Amazon Echo Show or the Google Nest in idle condition. When the iPhone is sitting on a desk or a bedside table, it will display actionable widgets, including but not limited to news highlights, weather reports, and appointments.

NEW: Apple is planning a new smart-display-like mode in iOS 17, a new interface for information and notifications when an iPhone is locked and in landscape mode, as a major new feature. It’s a potential precursor to a standalone Apple smart home hub. https://t.co/mgFsu4nQ6x

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 24, 2023

Gurman also suggests that Apple has been building this feature since last year, and the user interface (UI) is said to have a dark background, making it easy to read and access information from the screen. It is also said to be built on top of the always-on lock screen feature introduced in iOS 16.

This is considered a precursor to Apple’s upcoming standalone smart display device, which is likely to be a HomePod-like unit with an integrated touchscreen.

Right now, it’s unclear if this feature will be limited to the Pro models or if all iPhones running on iOS 17 will be compatible. Apple will showcase iOS 17 at its upcoming WWDC 2023 keynote happening on June 5. Several reports already suggest some of the highlights of the next iPhone software, which are said to include several “nice-to-have” features.

Also read | iOS 17 features: Everything you need to know about Apple’s latest update

Earlier reports suggest that, with iOS 17, Apple is said to allow users to sideload apps and could even offer a provision to set up third-party app stores. Not only that, iOS 17 is said to include a new health app, a new journaling app, and is also speculated to include improved versions of AirPlay and SharePlay.