Apple made a quiet but significant change to the Always On Display feature with the iOS 26 update. This feature, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models, has been working consistently since its introduction. This tweak, introduced with the new update, includes a detail that users may not immediately notice.

Apple quietly changed the Always On Display setting in iOS 26

Prior to iOS 26, the Lock Screen wallpaper was only displayed in a dimmed state when Always On Display was enabled. With the new version, the system now blurs the wallpaper by default. The main purpose of this change is to make the clock and widgets on the screen more visible and improve readability.

However, this new default setting may not please users who use the Always On Display feature to view the Lock Screen photo. Blurring the wallpaper obscures the photo’s visibility, defeating its purpose.

Thankfully, Apple has given users control over this new behavior. Users who prefer the clear look of their old wallpaper and prefer not to blur can easily change this setting. You can disable the wallpaper blur option under Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display. When this change is made, the wallpaper will remain sharp but dimmed as before.

Always On Display has offered useful, albeit limited, customization options since the beginning. Users could choose to have the wallpaper or notifications not appear on this screen at all. This allowed for a cleaner, more information-focused display or a look that reflected the personality of the Lock Screen setup.

The core functionality of the feature remains intact. Always On Display continues to provide quick access to important information like the time, date, notifications, and widgets. It also maintains the same behavior of completely turning off the screen when the phone’s screen is face down, covered, when using CarPlay or Continuity Camera, in Low Power Mode, or when Sleep Focus is enabled.

So, what are your thoughts on Apple’s new default? Do you prefer the wallpaper blurred for readability, or the previous clear look?