Apple’s Always On Display feature has been fairly consistent since it first appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro. With iOS 26, Apple has quietly changed the way it does business in a way that may not be obvious.
Always on display modes
Instead of dimming your lock screen wallpaper, the system now blurs it by default. This tweak makes the clock and widgets more distinctive, but it also defeats the purpose of displaying the image if that’s what you like about the feature. Fortunately, there’s also a toggle switch to bring back the original behavior.
In iOS 18, the Always On Display feature worked just as it did in iOS 26. A dimmed version of the Lock screen remains visible when your iPhone is locked, giving you quick access to essentials like the clock, date, notifications, and widgets. The screen will turn off completely when face down, covered, in CarPlay, using Continuity Camera, in Low Power Mode, while Sleep Focus is on, or at bedtime.
Customization has always been limited but useful. You can specify whether the wallpaper will appear at all and whether notifications will appear or not. This means your always-on display can be clean and utility-based, or retain the personality of your wallpaper and lock screen setup.
iOS 26 makes a big change
With iOS 26, wallpapers become blurred by default when the screen is dimmed. The effect likely improves clarity, but it changes the appearance of the lock screen. For me, I think I’d rather not show any wallpaper than present a blurry version of my lock screen image.
Fortunately, Apple has added a toggle switch alongside the behavior change to put you in control. In Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, you can disable blurred wallpapers so your Lock screen appears fully clear as before.
What behavior do you prefer? Is opacity better for privacy and sensitivity, or does it defeat the goal for you?
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