In his latest Bloomberg newsletter report, Mark Gurman talks about the iPhone 14 Pro series getting Always-on display (AOD) functionality, major new iOS 16 features, and other announcements that will appear at WWDC 2022 on June 6.
The big title is the long-rumored AOD feature that will likely be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max and their LTPO AMOLED displays. These panels can reduce the refresh rate on the lock screen in an effort to conserve battery power while displaying AOD information such as time, date, and notifications. Apple already offers AOD on its Apple Watches, so it makes sense that the feature is finally coming to the iPhone. It remains to be seen whether iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max which also have LTPO panels will receive the AOD function when iOS 16 comes out or if it will be exclusive to the new 14 Pro series.
In related news, iOS 16 is expected to bring new lock screen wallpapers with “widget-like features” and improvements to audio messages in iMessage. Apple Health is rumored to get new features available on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch. On the tablet side, iPadOS is speculated to bring a new multitasking UI with better support for windows. Apple is also planning a major overhaul for watchOS that will gain new navigation options, more watch faces, and a low-power mode.
The upcoming macOS version update is said to bring many app redesigns and a new system preferences menu inspired by its iOS counterpart. Apple’s tvOS should have more smart home features. Gurman says it’s unlikely we’ll see any hardware announcements at the event, though he doesn’t completely rule out a redesigned new MacBook Air with M2 chipset.
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