Always-On, Always Optional: Mastering the iPhone 15 Display

Yes, you absolutely can turn off the always-on display on your iPhone 15, Pro, or Pro Max. While the feature is a visually appealing and convenient way to glance at essential information, it’s also understandable if you prefer to disable it to conserve battery life or simply because you find it distracting. Now, let’s dive into the how and why of managing this feature and answer some common questions surrounding its use.

Understanding the iPhone 15’s Always-On Display

The always-on display on the iPhone 15 models leverages Apple’s ProMotion technology and an incredibly efficient display controller. This allows the screen to dim significantly and refresh at a very low rate (as low as 1Hz), displaying key information like the time, widgets, and Live Activities even when the phone is “sleeping.” It’s designed to be power-efficient, but its impact on battery life can vary depending on your usage.

How to Disable Always-On Display on iPhone 15

Turning off the always-on display is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone 15.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Display & Brightness.”
3. Find the “Always On” option. It’s usually located a bit down the page.
4. Toggle the switch to the “Off” position.

That’s it! Your iPhone 15 will now revert to a completely black screen when locked, just like previous models.

The Impact of Disabling Always-On Display

The primary reason many users consider disabling the always-on display is battery life. While Apple has optimized the feature for minimal power consumption, any active screen element, however dim, will invariably draw more power than a completely off screen. Disabling it will likely result in a slightly longer battery life throughout the day.

Beyond battery life, some users find the always-on display distracting, especially in dark environments. Turning it off eliminates this potential distraction and provides a more traditional iPhone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the iPhone 15 Always-On Display

Here are answers to 12 frequently asked questions about the iPhone 15’s always-on display, offering a comprehensive understanding of its features and functionality.

1. Does the always-on display drain the battery significantly?

While Apple has made efforts to optimize it, the always-on display does contribute to battery drain. The extent of the drain varies depending on your usage patterns, such as the brightness of your environment (the display will be brighter in direct sunlight) and the types of widgets you have enabled.

2. Can I customize what’s shown on the always-on display?

Yes, you can customize the always-on display to a certain extent. You can choose whether to show or hide your wallpaper and notifications. To customize, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On. These options allow you to personalize the display to your liking, finding the right balance between information and aesthetics.

3. Does the iPhone 15 automatically turn off the always-on display in certain situations?

Yes, the iPhone 15 is smart about managing the always-on display. It will automatically turn off in situations like when:

• The iPhone is placed face down.
• The iPhone is in your pocket or bag.
• Sleep Focus is enabled.
• The iPhone is paired with an Apple Watch and you’re wearing the watch (the iPhone assumes you’re getting the time from your wrist).
• When Low Power Mode is enabled.

These conditions are designed to further optimize battery life when the always-on display isn’t actively being used.

4. Is the always-on display available on all iPhone 15 models?

No, the always-on display feature is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not have the necessary display technology (specifically ProMotion) to support this feature.

5. What is the refresh rate of the always-on display on iPhone 15?

The always-on display can refresh as low as 1Hz (one refresh per second). This ultra-low refresh rate is crucial for minimizing power consumption. When the display is actively being used, the refresh rate can dynamically adjust up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations.

6. Can I schedule the always-on display to turn off at certain times?

Unfortunately, there is no built-in feature to directly schedule the always-on display. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using the Sleep Focus mode and setting a schedule for it. When Sleep Focus is active, the always-on display will be disabled.

7. Will turning off notifications on the always-on display save battery?

Yes, hiding notifications on the always-on display can contribute to a slight improvement in battery life. This is because the display doesn’t need to refresh to show new notifications, conserving power.

8. How do Live Activities appear on the always-on display?

Live Activities are displayed in a simplified, low-power state on the always-on display. Information is presented clearly and concisely, allowing you to stay updated without fully waking your phone.

9. Does the always-on display show incoming call information?

Yes, incoming call information is displayed on the always-on display, allowing you to quickly see who’s calling without needing to fully wake your iPhone.

10. Can I adjust the brightness of the always-on display?

You cannot directly adjust the brightness of the always-on display. It automatically adjusts based on ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility while minimizing power consumption.

11. Is there a way to quickly toggle the always-on display on and off?

While there’s no dedicated quick toggle in the Control Center, the fastest way to toggle the always-on display is through Siri. You can say something like “Hey Siri, turn off always-on display” or “Hey Siri, turn on always-on display”. Alternatively, you can create a Shortcut for it.

12. Will Apple release updates to further optimize the always-on display’s battery performance?

It’s highly likely that Apple will continue to refine and optimize the always-on display through software updates. Apple is constantly working on improving battery efficiency and user experience, and the always-on display is a prime candidate for ongoing optimization. We have already seen them making improvements.

The Bottom Line

The iPhone 15’s always-on display is a useful feature, offering at-a-glance information without fully waking your device. However, the ability to turn it off provides valuable control over battery life and personal preferences. By understanding the features, limitations, and customization options, you can tailor the always-on display to perfectly suit your needs. Embrace the technology, experiment with the settings, and discover the ideal balance for your iPhone 15 experience.