Understanding whether to use the always-on display feature on your iPhone can significantly impact your daily usage. While this feature allows users to glance at notifications and time without fully waking the device, many users find it unnecessary or even distracting.
Why Disabling the Always-On Display Matters
The primary concern with the always-on display is its potential to drain battery life. Although newer iPhones, like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, boast impressive battery performance, any additional drain can be a drawback for users prioritizing longevity.
Research shows that this feature can consume between 0.6% and 0.8% of battery per hour, which may seem minimal but can accumulate over a day or week. For those who regularly rely on their device throughout the day, every percentage counts.
Distraction vs. Convenience
Beyond battery concerns, some users simply find the always-on display to be more of a distraction than a benefit. The dimmed screen may still draw attention, leading to habitual checking for new notifications—a behavior that can hinder productivity.
If you already own an Apple Watch or another smartwatch, the convenience of quickly checking notifications on your wrist diminishes the need for an always-on display. This means you might not be missing out on essential information by turning it off.
How to Turn Off Always-On Display
If you decide that disabling this feature aligns better with your preferences, follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Select Display & Brightness
- Scroll down to Always On Display
- Toggle it off
Customizing Instead of Disabling
If you'd prefer to keep some functionality while minimizing battery consumption, consider customizing your always-on display settings. You can choose what information is displayed and adjust notifications:
- Open Settings
- Select Display & Brightness
- Tap on Always On Display
- Tweak settings under 'Customize' as needed
Additonal Battery-Saving Tips
If saving battery is a priority for you beyond just disabling one feature, consider these strategies:
- Lower screen brightness
- Activate Low Power Mode or Adaptive Power Mode
- Disable haptics and 'Hey Siri' wake-up command
- If available, switch to dark mode on OLED screens