Does the Always-On display feature on the iPhone 16 Pro make a big difference in daily use

Convenience and Accessibility

- Quick Glance Functionality: The Always-On display allows users to see essential information such as time, date, and notifications without needing to wake the phone. This feature is particularly useful for quickly checking the time or alerts at a glance, making it convenient during meetings or when the phone is resting on a table[1][4].

- Reduced Need for Interaction: Users can glance at their phone for notifications without fully waking the device, which can reduce the frequency of interruptions and the temptation to engage with the phone unnecessarily. This can help maintain focus during tasks or conversations[2][4].

Battery Efficiency

- Low Power Consumption: The Always-On display is designed to be energy-efficient. It operates at a lower refresh rate (1Hz) when showing static information, which minimizes battery drain. Many users report that the impact on battery life is negligible, even when the feature is used continuously throughout the day[2][3].

Customization Options

- Personalization: Users can customize what is displayed on the Always-On screen, including turning off wallpapers or notifications to create a less distracting experience. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor the feature to their preferences, enhancing its utility[2][4].

Potential Drawbacks

- Distraction Factor: Some users may find the Always-On display distracting, as it can lead to a heightened awareness of notifications, prompting them to check their phone more frequently. This can be counterproductive for those looking to minimize phone usage[2][3].

- Battery Health Concerns: Although the feature is designed to be power-efficient, some users express concerns about long-term battery health, preferring to turn off features that keep the screen active for extended periods. However, many reports indicate that the battery health remains stable even with the Always-On display active[2][3].

Overall, the Always-On display on the iPhone 16 Pro offers a significant enhancement in daily use, providing convenience, reducing interaction frequency, and allowing for customization. While there are potential drawbacks, particularly regarding distractions, the feature is generally well-received for its practicality and minimal impact on battery life. For users who value quick access to information and notifications, this feature can make a notable difference in their daily smartphone experience.

Customization of Always-On display

You can customize the Always-On display on the iPhone 16 Pro. Here's how:

1. Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Display & Brightness: Navigate to the Display & Brightness section.
3. Always-On Display: Scroll down to find the Always-On Display settings.
4. Customization Options:
- Show Wallpaper: You can choose to show or hide your wallpaper during Always-On mode.
- Show Notifications: You can also enable or disable notifications from appearing on the Always-On screen.

These customization options allow you to personalize the Always-On display to suit your preferences, making it more convenient and less distracting if needed. However, adding widgets directly to the Always-On display is not explicitly supported like on some Android devices; instead, you can view widgets in the Standby mode on iOS 17 and later.

Adjusting the brightness

Adjusting the brightness of the Always-On display on an iPhone, such as the iPhone 16 Pro, is not directly supported through manual settings like on some Android devices. However, you can adjust the overall screen brightness, which indirectly affects how bright the Always-On display appears when it's active. Here's how to adjust the screen brightness:

1. Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen.
2. Brightness Slider: Use the brightness slider to adjust the screen brightness. This will affect how bright your screen appears in general, including when the Always-On display is active.

For Android devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, you can often adjust the Always-On display brightness manually by disabling auto-brightness:

1. Open Settings: Go to Lock screen and AOD.
2. Always On Display: Select this option.
3. Auto Brightness: If available, toggle off auto-brightness to manually adjust the brightness level using a slider or by double-tapping the clock on the Always-On display (depending on your device model and software version).

On newer Samsung models like the Galaxy S24, manual brightness adjustment for the Always-On display is not available, and it adjusts automatically based on ambient light.