Apple’s Always On Display has been pretty constant because it debuted on iPhone 14 Professional. With iOS 26, Apple has quietly modified the way it works in a way which will not be apparent.

Always On Display modes

As an alternative of merely dimming your Lock Display wallpaper, the system now blurs it by default. The tweak makes the clock and widgets stand out extra, however it additionally defeats the aim of displaying a picture if that’s what you like concerning the function. Fortunately, there’s additionally a toggle to convey again the unique habits.

In iOS 18, the Always On Display labored a lot like it really works in iOS 26. A dimmed model of your Lock Display stays seen when your iPhone is locked, giving you fast entry to necessities like the clock, date, notifications, and widgets. The display screen will flip off solely when face down, lined, in CarPlay, utilizing Continuity Digicam, in Low Energy Mode, whereas Sleep Focus is on, or at bedtime.

Customization has at all times been restricted however helpful. You may resolve whether or not the wallpaper seems in any respect and whether or not notifications are proven. This implies your at all times on display screen might be clear and utility-pushed, or retain the character of your wallpaper and lock display screen setup.

iOS 26 makes one huge change

With iOS 26, wallpapers are blurred by default when the show is dimmed. The impact doubtless improves legibility, however it adjustments the look of the Lock Display. For me, I believe I’d relatively not present any wallpaper than be offered with a blurred model of my Lock Display picture.

Luckily, Apple added a toggle alongside the habits change to offer you management. In Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, you can disable blurred wallpapers so your Lock Display seems in full readability like earlier than.

Which habits do you favor? Is blurring higher for privateness and sensitivity, or does it defeat the aim for you?