Apple Reveals 8 Scenarios Where iPhone 14 Pro's Always-On Display Turns Off

Apple today published a new support document with additional details about the new always-on display mode on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Notably, the document lists eight scenarios where the always-on display temporarily turns off.

iphone 14 pro always on display
To save battery life, Apple says the display goes completely dark when:

  • Your iPhone is lying face down
  • Your iPhone is in your pocket or bag
  • Sleep Focus is on
  • Low Power Mode is on
  • Your iPhone is connected to CarPlay
  • You're using Continuity Camera
  • You haven't used your iPhone for a while (see paragraph below)
  • Your iPhone detects that you moved away from it with a paired Apple Watch

According to Apple, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max can learn your "activity patterns" and turns the always-on display off and on accordingly. For example, Apple says the display can work in tandem with a user's alarm or sleep schedule if they have one set.

Always-on display mode is enabled by default. To turn it off, open the Settings app, tap on the Display & Brightness menu, and turn off Always On.

iPhone 14 Pro models can drop down to a refresh rate as low as 1Hz to ensure that the always-on display does not have too significant of an impact on battery life. Apple says the always-on display uses multiple coprocessors in the A16 Bionic chip to refresh the display using "minimal power," making the display "incredibly power efficient."

Always-on display mode dims the entire Lock Screen, but still shows information like the time, widgets, and wallpaper. Once you raise the iPhone, tap the screen, or press the side button, the display returns to normal brightness. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the display and authenticate with Face ID to wake the iPhone as usual.

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Top Rated Comments

DMG35 Avatar
40 months ago
This seems like it is very smartly implemented. Makes sense for it to turn off when face down, in your pocket, etc. It will continue to improve with software updates as well.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
40 months ago
This screenshot is interesting. Looks like they thought about having pill and holepunch at one point before they came up with dynamic island.



Attachment Image
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
40 months ago
Indeed the best iPhone always on display yet.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
40 months ago

I wonder how long "a while" is.
"A while" is defined as from you putting down the phone until just a split second before you look back at it on your desk expecting it to be on to check something.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
austinmm6 Avatar
40 months ago
I wonder how long "a while" is.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ipedro Avatar
40 months ago

According to the article it turns off when sleep focus is on.

I guess this means it won't serve as a bedside clock overnight when on a charger stand? I was kind of hoping for that!
You can turn this off. It's in the filters for the Sleep Focus. Focuses are highly customizable. I'm really impressed at how far it's come in just 2 gens.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)