iOS 26 tweaks iPhone Always On Display in a way you might not like

Apple’s Always On Display has been fairly consistent since it debuted on iPhone 14 Pro. With iOS 26, Apple quietly changed how it works in a way that may not be obvious.

Always On Display modes

Instead of simply dimming your Lock Screen wallpaper, the system blurs it by default in iOS 26. The tweak makes the clock and widgets stand out more, but it also defeats the purpose of displaying a photo if that’s what you like about the feature. Luckily, there’s also a toggle to bring back the original behavior.

In iOS 18, the Always On Display worked much like it works in iOS 26. A dimmed version of your Lock Screen stays visible when your iPhone is locked, giving you quick access to essentials like the clock, date, notifications, and widgets. The screen will turn off entirely 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 decide whether the wallpaper appears at all and whether notifications are shown. This means your always on screen can be clean and utility-driven, or retain the personality of your wallpaper and lock screen setup.

iOS 26 makes one big change

With iOS 26, wallpapers are blurred by default when the display is dimmed. The effect likely improves legibility, but it changes the look of the Lock Screen. For me, I think I’d rather not show any wallpaper than be presented with a blurred version of my Lock Screen image.

Fortunately, Apple added a toggle alongside the behavior change to give you control. In Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, you can disable blurred wallpapers so your Lock Screen appears in full clarity like before.

Which behavior do you prefer? Is blurring better for privacy and sensitivity, or does it defeat the purpose for you?