As part of its iOS 16 presentation at WWDC today, Apple unveiled an all-new Lock Screen for iPhones that provides users with a wealth of customization options, including the ability to add widgets.
In iOS 16, you can now edit and switch between different styles for your Lock Screen, with the option of applying filters to photos. With a new multilayered effect, the subjects of photos are set in front of the time on the Lock Screen, creating a sense of depth. You can also change the look of the date and time with expressive type styles and color choices.
You can also add custom widgets to the Lock Screen, similar to complications on Apple Watch. Available system widgets include battery levels, alarms, time zones, Activity ring progress, and more.
A new Lock Screen gallery features a range of options for inspiration, such as Apple collections, which include Pride and Unity to celebrate special cultural moments, a Weather wallpaper to see live weather conditions as they change throughout the day, and an Astronomy wallpaper for views of the Earth, moon, and solar system.
Apple is also bringing Focus modes to the Lock Screen, allowing your iPhone to display a different Lock Screen depending on what you’re doing.
Meanwhile, Live Activities is a new feature that helps users stay on top of things that are happening in real time, such as a sports game, workout, ride-share, or food delivery order, right from the Lock Screen
Developers will also be able to tap into the new Lock Screen features using a new WidgetKit system. The developer preview of iOS 16 is available to Apple Developer Program members starting today, and a public beta will be available to iOS users next month.