iPhone Always-On Display: Complete Guide (2025)
Apple's Always-On Display (AOD) debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, bringing a feature that Android users had enjoyed for years to the iPhone for the first time. Unlike Android's approach, Apple's implementation keeps your entire lock screen visible—wallpaper, widgets, and all—just significantly dimmed. Now in 2025, with the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple has finally brought this beloved feature to all iPhone models.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the iPhone Always-On Display: how it works, which models support it, customization tips, and how to maximize battery life while using this feature.
What is iPhone Always-On Display?
Always-On Display allows your iPhone to show essential information—time, date, notifications, and widgets—even when the phone is locked and resting on a table. Unlike traditional displays that go completely black when locked, AOD keeps your screen dimly lit so you can glance at information without picking up your device.
Apple's unique approach: While most Android phones show just the clock and notification icons on a black background, Apple's AOD displays your entire lock screen wallpaper (dimmed) along with widgets and complications. This creates a richer, more personalized always-on experience.
How iPhone Always-On Display Works
The magic behind iPhone's Always-On Display lies in two key technologies:
1. OLED Display Technology
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens only power the pixels that are lit. Dark pixels consume no power at all. This makes OLED displays inherently more efficient for always-on functionality compared to traditional LCD screens.
2. LTPO Technology
Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) panels can dynamically adjust their refresh rate from 120Hz down to just 1Hz—meaning the screen refreshes only once per second when displaying static content. This dramatic reduction in refresh rate is what makes the Always-On Display battery-efficient.
When you're actively using your phone, the display runs at up to 120Hz (ProMotion) for smooth scrolling and animations. When the phone is locked and AOD is active, it drops to 1Hz, consuming minimal power while still displaying useful information.
Which iPhones Support Always-On Display?
Always-On Display requires both an OLED screen and LTPO technology. Here's the complete list of supported models:
Supported iPhone Models (2025)
- iPhone 17 Series (2025) – iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max – All models now feature LTPO panels with AOD support
- iPhone 16 Pro Series (2024) – iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro Series (2023) – iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro Series (2022) – iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max (First iPhones with AOD)
Models NOT Supporting AOD
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus (60Hz LTPS display)
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, and earlier models
- iPhone SE models
Comparison Table: iPhone Always-On Display by Model
| iPhone Model | Always-On Display | Max Refresh Rate | Min Refresh Rate | Peak Brightness | Display Tech |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 3000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 17 Pro | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 3000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 17 | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 2000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 17 Air | Yes | 120Hz | 1Hz | 2000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 2000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 2000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 16/16 Plus | No | 60Hz | 60Hz | 2000 nits | LTPS OLED |
| iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 2000 nits | LTPO OLED |
| iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max | Yes | 120Hz ProMotion | 1Hz | 2000 nits | LTPO OLED |
How to Enable and Customize Always-On Display
Enable Always-On Display
- Open Settings
- Tap Display & Brightness
- Scroll down and tap Always On Display
- Toggle the switch to turn it on
Customization Options
Within the Always On Display settings, you can toggle:
- Show Wallpaper – Display your lock screen background (dimmed) or show a solid black background
- Show Notifications – Show notification icons and previews on the AOD
Always-On Display Battery Impact & Tips
Apple claims the 1Hz refresh rate and OLED efficiency make battery drain "negligible." However, independent testing shows AOD uses approximately 1% battery per hour on standby—a reasonable trade-off for the convenience it provides.
Battery-Saving Tips for AOD
1. Disable Wallpaper Display
Showing your colorful wallpaper lights up more pixels, consuming more power. Turn off "Show Wallpaper" in Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display to use a black background instead.
2. Smart Auto-Disable Features
Your iPhone automatically turns off AOD in these situations:
- When placed face-down on a surface
- When in a pocket or bag (proximity sensor)
- When Low Power Mode is enabled (below 20% battery)
- When connected to CarPlay
- When using Continuity Camera
- When the phone detects you're not nearby (with Apple Watch)
3. Schedule AOD with Focus Modes
Use Focus Modes and Shortcuts to automatically disable AOD during specific times (like nighttime) or situations.
4. Choose Dark Wallpapers
If you keep wallpaper enabled, use darker images. OLED displays only power lit pixels, so darker wallpapers consume less battery.
Latest Updates: iPhone 17 Brings AOD to All Models (2025)
The biggest news for 2025 is that Apple has finally brought Always-On Display to the entire iPhone 17 lineup, ending years of it being a Pro-exclusive feature:
- September 2025: iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air ship with LTPO OLED panels supporting 120Hz refresh rates and Always-On Display
- Peak Brightness Upgrade: iPhone 17 Pro models feature 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness—the highest ever on iPhone
- Improved Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 17 Pro offers 2x better outdoor contrast compared to previous generations
This represents a significant shift in Apple's strategy. Previously, the 120Hz ProMotion display and AOD were reserved exclusively for Pro models to differentiate them from standard iPhones. With the iPhone 17 generation, all users can enjoy these features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Always-On Display drain battery?
Yes, but minimally. Testing shows approximately 1% battery drain per hour with AOD enabled. The LTPO technology's ability to drop to 1Hz refresh rate keeps power consumption low. You can further reduce drain by disabling the wallpaper display option.
Why doesn't my iPhone have Always-On Display?
Always-On Display requires LTPO display technology that can drop to a 1Hz refresh rate. This technology is only available on iPhone 14 Pro and newer Pro models, and the entire iPhone 17 lineup. Standard iPhone 16, 15, and earlier models use LTPS displays capped at 60Hz, which cannot support AOD efficiently.
Can I turn off Always-On Display?
Yes. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display and toggle it off. You can also customize it to show or hide your wallpaper and notifications.
Does Always-On Display work with all wallpapers?
Yes, AOD works with all wallpapers, including Live Photos and custom images. However, darker wallpapers consume less battery since OLED pixels that display black don't require power.
Will Always-On Display cause screen burn-in?
Apple has implemented several safeguards to prevent burn-in, including dimming the display significantly, shifting pixels periodically, and turning off AOD when the phone is stationary for extended periods. Normal use should not cause burn-in issues.
Can I schedule Always-On Display to turn off at night?
Yes, you can use Focus Modes combined with the Shortcuts app to automatically disable AOD during specific hours. Create a Sleep Focus that disables AOD, and it will activate according to your sleep schedule.
Does the iPhone 16 have Always-On Display?
Only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have Always-On Display. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus do not support this feature due to their 60Hz LTPS display panels.
What's the difference between Apple's AOD and Android's?
Most Android phones show only essential information (clock, notifications) on a black background. Apple's implementation displays your entire lock screen—wallpaper, widgets, and all—just dimmed. This creates a more visually rich experience but may use slightly more battery.