Apple introduced its "always on" display for the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019. A couple of years later, it could be set to arrive on the iPhone, according to reporter Max Weinbach, who shared the information with the YouTube channel EverythingApplePro.
The report claims that the iPhone 13---if that is what Apple indeed decides to name it---will permanently have some sections of the screen lighted up to show certain details.
How "Always on" Display Will Work
These details could include both the clock and battery icons. They would remain visible even when the iPhone is locked, meaning that it is not actively being used by the user. Notifications, such as new message notices, would only be illuminated temporarily.
This would be the first time the iPhone comes with "always on" display technology. However, it would by no means be the first time similar tech has made its way to a smartphone. Nokia introduced an "always on" screen feature as early as 2009. More recently, it has become a widely available feature on various Android phones---including models made by Huawei, Motorola, Samsung, Google, and others.
The big, obvious advantage of "always on" is that it doesn't require that the user wakes or unlocks her or his phone in order to access information, even if it is something as minor as checking the time.
The downside is that it consumes extra battery life, which can already be something of a premium on smartphones. However, AMOLED displays can reduce this battery impact by only activating those pixels on the display that are needed to show the information.
In other words, this "always on" display is always on in a technical sense---although the majority of the screen is turned off, and only a few parts remain illuminated the whole time. This means the effect on battery life is not as major as it might otherwise be.
What to Expect From iPhone 13
The next-gen iPhone will likely arrive in September 2021. According to Weinbach, it will boast the same overall chassis design as the iPhone 12 series, although there will be some under-the-hood upgrades.
These will include stronger MagSafe magnets, an improved camera system for taking images of the moon and stars, ultra-wide camera lens across the entire iPhone lineup, portrait mode video (rather than just still images), and improved A-series chip. A previous report has claimed Apple might introduce in-display Touch ID as an alternative to Face ID.
Given that this is still more than half a year away, plenty of new details could emerge before Apple shows off its next iPhone in Q3. Nonetheless, it seems the rumor mill is starting to creak into action already. Watch this space!
