Apple is reportedly working on a new feature for iOS 17 that will allow users to transform their locked iPhones into smart home displays. The feature, which is still under development, would allow users to see information such as weather updates, calendar appointments, and notifications without having to unlock their phone.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the new feature would work similarly to smart home displays from Google and Amazon. When an iPhone is locked and placed horizontally, the screen would show a large clock and a variety of other information. Users would be able to tap on the information to interact with it, such as turning on lights or checking the weather.
The new feature is part of a larger effort by Apple to make its devices more useful when they are locked. In iOS 16, Apple introduced a new feature called Live Activities, which allows users to see real-time information such as sports scores and flight status without having to unlock their phone. The new smart home display feature would take this concept a step further by allowing users to control their smart home devices from their locked iPhones.
The new feature is expected to be released alongside iOS 17 later this year. iOS 17 is expected to be a major update for the iPhone, with new features such as a redesigned lock screen, improved notifications, and new health features.
Benefits of using the new smart home display feature:
- You can see important information at a glance, without having to unlock your phone.
- You can control your smart home devices from your locked phone.
- You can use your phone as a bedside clock.
- You can use your phone as a kitchen timer.
- The feature will be available on all iPhones that support iOS 17.
- The feature will work when an iPhone is locked and placed horizontally.
- The feature will show a large clock and a variety of other information, such as weather updates, calendar appointments, and notifications.
- Users will be able to tap on the information to interact with it, such as turning on lights or checking the weather.
- The feature is part of a larger effort by Apple to make its devices more useful when they are locked.
- The feature is expected to be released alongside iOS 17 later this year.
How the new smart home display feature could be used:
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- You could use the feature to see the weather forecast at a glance, without having to unlock your phone.
- You could use the feature to see your calendar appointments for the day, without having to unlock your phone.
- You could use the feature to control your smart home devices, such as turning on lights or adjusting the thermostat, without having to unlock your phone.
- You could use the feature as a bedside clock, so you can see the time and weather without having to turn on your phone.
- You could use the feature as a kitchen timer, so you can set a timer without having to unlock your phone.
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The new smart home display feature is a great way to make your iPhone more useful when it is locked. The feature is still under development, but it is expected to be released alongside iOS 17 later this year.