Apple has revealed a groundbreaking feature in iOS 17 – StandBy Mode. This new display experience is specially designed for iPhones in the charging phase while placed horizontally. In this orientation, iPhones can showcase a range of full-screen widgets, effectively converting them into handy home hubs.
StandBy Mode springs into action automatically when an iPhone with iOS 17 is positioned horizontally on a charger. This mode allows you to have access to a variety of information, such as the current time, weather updates, calendar events, music controls, your photo gallery, and so much more.
Navigating through the StandBy options is a breeze; simply swipe left or right to browse, and use a long press or swipe up/down for customization. Take the time display, for instance – you can select from an array of views: analog, digital, a playful bubbly font, or a solar view that subtly changes the background color in tandem with the time.
StandBy Mode presents the opportunity to incorporate Home Screen widgets into the primary StandBy view. This is the initial view that greets you upon activating StandBy. In this setting, you can opt to exhibit two widgets side-by-side, allowing you to manage your HomeKit devices, monitor calendar events, track the stock market, verify device battery status, view weather updates, and more.
When a Live Activity is in progress, it commands the full screen, as do results from Siri inquiries.
Interestingly, StandBy Mode has a night-friendly design. If your room’s lighting is dim, StandBy Mode adapts by darkening, ensuring minimal distractions as you sleep. This feature mirrors the Nightstand Mode in the Apple Watch, operating in a similar fashion.
However, it’s important to note that for the iPhone to consistently display information, you’ll need an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max equipped with an always-on display technology. For other iPhone models, a simple tap will reveal what’s on the screen.
What is StandBy Mode on iOS 17 and how does it work?
StandBy Mode is a new feature introduced in iOS 17 for charging iPhones placed horizontally. It automatically activates and displays a range of full-screen widgets such as time, weather, calendar events, music controls, and more, transforming the iPhone into a handy home hub.
How can I customize the view in StandBy Mode?
Customizing the view in StandBy Mode is simple. You can swipe left or right to navigate through the available options, and long press or swipe up/down for customization. For instance, with the time display, you can choose from an analog view, a digital view, a bubbly font, or a solar view where the background color changes with the time.
Does StandBy Mode work on all iPhones?
While StandBy Mode is a feature of iOS 17, the ability for the iPhone to continually display information in this mode requires an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, which have always-on display technology. For other iPhone models, a tap is required to reveal the information on the screen.