Coming later this year iOS 16 offers a complete overhaul of the Lock Screen experience featuring all-new widgets, font styles, and a Lock Screen gallery to help users easily switch between Lock Screen setups they have already configured. This article demonstrates how you can start using your Lock Screen’s customization options in iOS 15, and also offers a sneak peek at iOS 16.
Running Beta Software
Apple Developers and iOS/iPadOS enthusiasts who would like to test drive the new Lock Screen ahead of its launch in the Fall can access beta versions of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 via the Apple Developer portal. Do note, however, that it is not recommended that you install beta software on your personal devices.
Customizing the Lock Screen in iOS 15
To personalize the Lock Screen in iOS 15, users can set a new wallpaper using pictures from their photo library, choose from built-in dynamic wallpapers that change based on the time of day, and experiment with depth effects to add a subtle sense of vitality. On select iPhone models, optional Live wallpapers will animate upon resting one finger on the Lock Screen.
1. Changing Your Wallpaper
2. Configuring Perspective Zoom
Images from your photo library, built-in Stills, and Dynamic wallpapers support a feature called “Perspective Zoom”. The setting simulates a responsive parallax effect on the Lock Screen that makes onscreen elements appear as if they are floating above your wallpaper. Note: Sometimes Perspective Zoom will draw your subject out of frame by zooming in too much.
3. Switching Between Light/Dark Wallpapers
As you reach step #4 of the “Changing Your Wallpaper” section of this post, users can opt to use one of several built-in light/dark wallpapers. These wallpapers will automatically darken their appearance when Dark Mode is enabled. When Dark Mode is set to “automatic” these wallpapers will automatically display their Dark Mode variant at sunset.
4. Wallpaper Dimming
If you are using a still image from your photo library as your wallpaper you can have your iPhone or iPad dim its appearance while Dark mode is enabled.
5. Using Live Wallpapers
Customize the Lock Screen in iOS 16
In iOS 16, users no longer need to access the Settings app to customize their Lock Screen. The new Lock Screen editor features a much more intuitive and customizable interface enabling a much more straightforward way to personalize your device.
1. Activating the Lock Screen Editor
2. Browsing Lock Screen Collections
3. Adding Widgets
4. Add Lock Screen Photo Effects
To add photo effects in the Lock Screen editor swipe left with one finger to instantly thumb through the available filters including Black & White, Duotone, and Color Wash.
5. Change Date/Time Font and Color
6. Enable and Adjust Depth Effect
iOS 16 features a unique depth of field option for the Lock Screen that allows people, pets, and nature subjects to take a front row seat by positioning them in front of onscreen elements including the time and widgets.
7. Configure Lock Screen to Correspond with Focus Mode Settings
8. Deleting a Saved Lock Screen
Image credit: Apple All screenshots taken by Brahm Shank
