The upcoming release of iOS 17 is set to bring significant changes to the lock screen experience on iPhones, particularly in relation to Apple Maps, according to renowned Apple tipster @analyst941. Currently, when using Apple Maps for directions, the entire lock screen is occupied by the navigation interface. However, iOS 17 will introduce a new feature called ‘Live Activity’ that limits the directions to the bottom two-thirds of the screen. The upper third will display the time and date, along with convenient access to the torch and camera buttons. Additionally, users will be able to view notifications by swiping up from the bottom of the lock screen.
This overhaul of the Apple Maps lock screen experience is a welcome change, as rival navigation app Google Maps has offered a more immersive and user-friendly experience. Google Maps’ features such as Immersive View and Search with Live View have made it the preferred choice for many iPhone users.
If @analyst941’s information about the ‘Live Activity’ feature is accurate, iOS 17 could bridge the gap between Apple Maps and Google Maps by integrating Apple’s navigation software more seamlessly with the iPhone.
In addition to the changes in Apple Maps, @analyst941 also revealed that iOS 17 will introduce a new grid view for lock screen wallpapers. Users will have the ability to view multiple custom wallpapers simultaneously, with at least nine wallpapers visible at once. The grid view will offer options to rearrange, delete, share, or duplicate wallpapers by swiping up.
This information aligns with a recent leak on Weibo suggesting that iOS 17 will allow users to customize lock screen font sizes and share their custom lock screen designs with other iPhone users, similar to how Apple Watch faces can be shared.
While the details surrounding iOS 17 compatibility are still unclear, with conflicting reports about which iPhones will be supported, all will be revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 on June 5th. Whether iOS 17 drops support for older models like the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X remains uncertain, as different sources provide contradictory information. Nevertheless, iPhone users eagerly await the unveiling of iOS 17 and the potential enhancements it brings to their lock screen experience.
