Apple is preparing to unveil its highly anticipated iPhone 15 series later this month, with a scheduled launch date of September 12 at the ‘Wonderlust’ event. Joining the lineup are the new Apple Watch Series 9, the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and the potential introduction of new AirPods Pro equipped with a USB-C charging case. Despite the multitude of leaks circulating, covering everything from the phone’s exterior design to the powerful A17 Bionic chipset, there’s a topic that has largely flown under the radar – iOS 17 and its innovative features, including StandBy.
Initially showcased during the WWDC 2023 keynote, StandBy is a feature that enables your iPhone to act as a smart display when placed horizontally during charging. This feature delivers easily accessible information that can be conveniently viewed from a distance, particularly when the iPhone is charging in landscape orientation.
A key question that remains unanswered is whether the always-on display functionality will be restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro models or if it will also be accessible to the standard iPhone 15 models. At present, this feature is exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro models, necessitating manual screen taps for users of other iPhone models to access information. Conversely, it is expected that the iPhone 14 Pro and the likely iPhone 15 Pro models will automatically activate the StandBy display, keeping it active during the charging process.
How to Use iPhone 15 Pro Smart Display Feature
If you’re considering buying any of the iPhone 15 models, all you have to do is lay it horizontally while charging in landscape orientation to activate this feature. However, if you currently own an iPhone 14, you’ll need to either update your device to the iOS 17 Public/developer beta or patiently await the stable release, which is anticipated later this month.
Once you’ve completed this update, users can easily activate the smart display feature of iPhone 15 pro by placing the iPhone horizontally during the charging process, whether it’s on a compatible wireless charger (MagSafe-compatible units might offer the best experience), a stand, or any stable surface.
iPhone 15 Pro : A Smart Display
Although this feature is still in its early stages, users will be able to choose from a variety of StandBy modes, including widgets, photos, and clocks. Each mode displays different information. For example, in clock mode, you can choose from analog, digital, world, float, and solar clock styles.