What if we could use our smartphones as smart displays in landscape mode like Google Nest? On paper, this will require adapting both hardware and software. Manufacturers will need to optimize the operating system and UI to support landscape orientation, ensuring that application interfaces are properly aligned and resized. This mode enables advanced viewing features such as split-screen multitasking and widgets to increase productivity.

Orientation-based context switching can automatically enable Smart Display mode, and power and heating management are optimized for landscape use. To encourage app development, manufacturers can provide developers with tools, APIs, and guidance to build apps that take full advantage of horizontal representation. Well, recent leaks have suggested that Apple may include such technology in its upcoming iOS 17 update.

The feature may debut at WWDC in less than two weeks.

Aiming to improve the user experience, Apple plans to turn the iPhone’s locked screen into a smart screen when the device is in landscape orientation. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this exciting development aims to provide users with real-time information, similar to popular smart displays like Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo.

According to insiders, the iPhone iOS 17 smart display will display a ton of useful information, including current weather, upcoming calendar appointments, and notifications. Expected to be unveiled during the WWDC 2023 developer conference on June 5, the interface aims to make the iPhone more functional than ever before, even when it’s on the desk or nightstand.

With iOS 17, Apple takes a step forward to deliver live information in more areas of iPhone software. A dark background with bright text ensures optimal readability, while the horizontally oriented smart display breathes new life into a locked screen. “Dawn”, Apple’s internal codename for iOS 17, suggests that this will coincide with the September launch of the long-awaited iPhone 15 series.

Not content with iPhone innovations, Apple is reportedly developing a new horizontal interface for iPad tablets. While the iPad generally lags behind the iPhone in bringing new features, Apple is slowly closing the gap. iPhone users already enjoy widgets on the lock screen, while iPad users can expect them to appear in the near future.

In addition to developing the software, Apple is also exploring the production of a low-cost tablet that can be magnetically attached to stands and walls. This potential device could be Apple’s entry point into the smart display market and complement Apple’s current HomePod smart speaker lineup. There are rumors that a model with a connected display that will allow users to control smart devices, have FaceTime chats and enjoy video content may appear on the market in the first half of next year. Alongside the iOS 17 updates, Apple is expected to unveil the new 15-inch Macbook Air at the upcoming WWDC 2023. Fans of the brand will be happy to see what Apple has prepared for them.