Apple introduced its first smartphone with an always-on display with the iPhone 14 Pro. Now with iOS 16.2, users get flexibility with the feature to make it more subtle. Here’s how to customize iPhone always-on display.

While the iPhone 14 Pro gaining an always-on display has been welcome overall, some have felt it’s a bit much with colored wallpapers plus notifications.

With iOS 16.2, Apple has pleased those looking for customization as you can opt to disable the wallpaper and notifications for the always-on display. That results in a more subtle – and Android-like – always-on experience.

How to customize iPhone always-on display in iOS 16.2

  • Make sure you’ve updated to iOS 16.2
  • On your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max open the Settings app
  • Swipe down and choose Display & Brightness
  • Swipe down and tap Always On Display
  • Underneath the main toggle, now you can turn off your wallpaper and/or notifications

Here’s how the process looks to customize iPhone always-on display:

As a reminder, per Apple, no matter how you customize the always-on feature, the display will go completely dark if:

  • Your iPhone is lying face down

  • Your iPhone is in your pocket or bag

  • Sleep Focus is on

  • Low Power Mode is on

  • Your iPhone is connected to CarPlay

  • You’re using Continuity Camera

  • You haven’t used your iPhone for a while (your iPhone learns your activity patterns and turns the display off and on accordingly, including if you set up an alarm or sleep schedule)

  • Your iPhone detects that you moved away from it with a paired Apple Watch (Always-On display will turn on when your Apple Watch is close to your iPhone again)

  • How to turn on end-to-end encryption for iMessage, iCloud, iPhone backups in iOS 16.2

  • How to enable ‘More Frequent Updates’ for Live Activities in iOS 16.2

  • How to improve iPhone 14 battery life: Why your battery is draining and 7 tips to boost it

  • M2 iPad Pro vs M1 iPad Pro: What’s changed?