As per a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new feature in iOS 17. This feature would turn the iPhone’s screen into a smart home-style display. The interface will show things such as the weather, calendar appointments, and notifications. One would be able to see this when the phone is locked and tilted horizontally.
Google had already come up with a similar feature for its Pixel devices. This feature works as they’re used with the Pixel Stand. A user places their Pixel on the stand, the user could access different settings or select to display a slideshow of images from Google Photos as the device is plugged in for charging. The Pixel also has Google’s At a Glance widget. This would display the date, calendar appointments, air quality alerts, and other useful notifications from the home and lock screen.
Moreover, Gurman says that Apple’s working to roll down this feature to its iPad too. Also, they are working on a magnetic mount that one can use with the device. It is believed that it would help the iPad compete with the Google Pixel Tablet in a better way. This would be helpful because it comes with a speaker doc that also charges the device. There would be an additional similar to the stand that comes with Pixel. Once it’s mounted on the dock or has its functions as a digital photo frame, you will be able to configure the tablet’s display to show a range of smart home controls.
It is expected that Apple would disclose the feature alongside iOS 17 at its Worldwide Developers Conference that is going to be held next month. Some other rumored features would enter the OS. This can include a journaling app that motivates you to log your thoughts throughout the day and also as an update to the Wallet app.
