iOS 26 Changes Affecting the iPhone’s Always On Display Functionality

# Apple’s Always On Display: Updates in iOS 26

Apple’s Always On Display (AOD) feature has been a key part of the iPhone experience since its debut with the iPhone 14 Pro. With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has implemented subtle yet impactful modifications to how this feature functions, which might not be immediately noticeable to users.

## Always On Display Modes

In earlier versions, including iOS 18, the Always On Display feature merely dimmed the Lock Screen wallpaper, enabling users to view key information such as the time, date, notifications, and widgets while the device remained locked. The screen would completely turn off under specific circumstances, such as when the device was face down, covered, or in particular modes like CarPlay or Low Power Mode.

Customization options have consistently been somewhat limited yet functional. Users could select whether to show their wallpaper and notifications, creating a balance between a tidy, utility-driven screen and one that maintained the aesthetic of the user’s selected wallpaper.

## iOS 26 Introduces One Major Change

The most significant modification in iOS 26 is the default setting of the Always On Display, which now blurs the wallpaper instead of merely dimming it. This adjustment is designed to improve the clarity of the clock and widgets, making them more noticeable. However, this alteration may lessen the visual appeal for those who enjoy seeing their chosen wallpaper.

For users who prefer the previous functionality, Apple has added a toggle in the settings. By going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, users can turn off the blurred wallpaper feature, restoring the full clarity of their Lock Screen image as it was before the update.

## Conclusion

The introduction of blurred wallpapers in iOS 26 signifies a change in how Apple views the Always On Display feature. While the modification may enhance readability, it also prompts questions about user preferences regarding aesthetics versus functionality. Users now have the ability to personalize their experience, ensuring that the Always On Display can accommodate individual tastes and requirements.

9to5Mac Daily: December 11, 2025 – Fresh Speculations on Upcoming Studio Display and Other Updates

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News

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#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

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New Firmware Update Available for AirPods Pro 3, Alongside Extra Features

Apple has recently launched new firmware updates for the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2, aligning with the expected debut of iOS 26.2. This update represents a notable development as Apple usually rolls out the same firmware across different AirPods models, but this occasion has seen unique builds released for each model.

The AirPods Pro 3 has been upgraded to firmware build 8B30, an advancement from the prior version 8B25. Likewise, the AirPods Pro 2 has received an update to firmware version 8B28, up from 8B21. While Apple has not yet shared comprehensive notes regarding the improvements or modifications tied to these new firmware versions, updates to their AirPods firmware webpage are anticipated soon.

Generally, firmware updates include general notes indicating “Bug fixes and other enhancements.” However, considering the proximity of these releases ahead of the iOS 26.2 launch, users might look forward to further upgrades. Importantly, iOS 26.2 is expected to enhance the AirPods Live Translation feature for users in the European Union.

To install the latest AirPods Pro firmware update, users should adhere to the following steps:

1. Confirm that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is active.
2. Connect your AirPods via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
3. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Plug your charging case into a power outlet.
5. Insert your AirPods into the charging case and secure the lid, keeping them within Bluetooth range of your device.
6. Wait for a minimum of 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
7. Open the charging case lid to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
8. Verify the firmware version to confirm the update.

Users are invited to share their feedback regarding the new firmware updates in the comments section.

Shazam Unveils Function to Emphasize Notable Moments in Tracks That Engage User Focus

**Shazam’s Innovative ‘Popular Segments’ Feature: Understanding Music Engagement**

In the dynamic realm of music consumption, grasping listener engagement is vital for both creators and audiences. Shazam, the well-known music identification app, has recently launched a pioneering feature named ‘Popular Segments,’ which offers crucial insights into the specific moments in songs that attract the most listener attention.

### What is ‘Popular Segments’?

Debuted on the Shazam website, the ‘Popular Segments’ feature uncovers the pivotal moments within a track that led users to utilize Shazam for song recognition. This functionality relies on user activity data that Apple has not shared before, providing a fresh layer of engagement for music lovers.

As stated by Apple, ‘Popular Segments’ highlights the most frequently engaged segments of a song from the past week. This interactive resource enables users to discover which parts of the song resulted in the highest Shazam tag activity. By moving over a graph, users can identify precise time markers and related segments, delivering a clear understanding of what resonates with listeners.

### Insights from Industry Experts

Ole Obermann from Apple Music stresses the importance of this feature, stating, “Shazam has always aimed to connect fans with music that inspires them. With Popular Segments, we’re enhancing that connection—showing precisely which moment in a song captivated the listener, while offering artists and the industry that invaluable insight.” This remark highlights the opportunity for artists to gain a deeper understanding of their audience and adjust their music accordingly.

### Accessing Popular Segments

The ‘Popular Segments’ feature is available on Shazam.com for users on both desktop and mobile devices. Although there is currently no word on whether this data will be incorporated into the Shazam iPhone app, the web platform provides an extensive overview of listener engagement.

### Conclusion

Shazam’s ‘Popular Segments’ feature represents a substantial leap in the analysis and comprehension of music engagement. By identifying the specific moments that captivate listeners, it not only enriches the experience for fans but also delivers artists and the music industry essential insights into listener preferences. As music continues to change, tools like these will play a pivotal role in influencing the future of music creation and consumption.

Five Enhanced Features Uncovered in Latest AirTag 2 Leak

### AirTag 2: Expected Features and Improvements

A new AirTag is expected to debut in 2025, but it has yet to be launched. Nevertheless, recent leaks indicate that the revamped AirTag 2 might include several notable upgrades.

#### Leaked iOS 26 Code Reveals AirTag 2 Features

As reported by Filipe Espósito at *Macworld*, new functionalities for the anticipated AirTag 2 have been revealed in a leaked internal version of iOS 26. The following five enhancements are anticipated:

1. **Streamlined Pairing Process**: The upcoming AirTag 2 is likely to come with a more streamlined and user-friendly pairing process, simplifying the connection of the device to the Apple ecosystem.

2. **Enhanced Precision Locating**: This update is expected to boost the accuracy of finding items, using advanced technology to offer improved directional guidance.

3. **Comprehensive Battery Level Monitoring**: Users will have the capability to better track the battery status of their AirTag 2, ensuring they know when it requires recharging or replacement.

4. **Upgraded Movement Tracking**: The feature known as “Improved Moving” may increase the AirTag’s capacity to follow items on the go, providing real-time location updates.

5. **Better Tracking in Crowded Areas**: This improvement aims to enhance the AirTag’s effectiveness in busy settings, enabling more dependable tracking even when multiple devices are in close proximity.

The report suggests that these features were identified in a draft of iOS 26, which contains a “2025AirTag” internal label, implying Apple might have originally intended to unveil the AirTag 2 this year.

Furthermore, the leak also refers to a new HomePod mini that is allegedly under development and expected to be equipped with an S10 chip.

As the launch of AirTag 2 draws near, many users are eager to learn about these speculative features and how they will improve the overall experience of utilizing Apple’s tracking technology.

Google Unveils Trial ‘Disco’ Browser Showcasing ‘GenTabs’ Innovation Fueled by Gemini 3

**Google Labs Introduces “Disco”: A New Chapter in Web Browsing**

Google Labs has rolled out “Disco,” a groundbreaking experiment intended to transform the landscape of web browsing. At the heart of this novel platform lies the Gemini 3-powered function known as “GenTab,” which aims to elevate user experience by embedding sophisticated AI features into the browsing journey.

### A Vision for Contemporary Browsing

Described by Google as a “tool crafted to re-envision browsing and building for the contemporary web,” Disco is constructed on the Chromium foundation, akin to Google Chrome, maintaining familiar attributes like tab design while adding new capabilities to enhance user interactions.

The internet has developed into a multifaceted environment brimming with applications and information, resulting in difficulties in handling numerous open tabs. Google seeks to solve this problem by enabling the web to adapt to user requirements, simplifying the process of conducting research or organizing activities without the burden of switching between multiple tabs.

### Presenting GenTabs

The standout feature, GenTabs, is crafted to generate interactive web applications that aid users in completing various tasks. By harnessing the power of Gemini 3, GenTabs examines open tabs and chat histories to recommend the most appropriate tools for user prompts.

For example, when organizing a trip to experience cherry blossoms in Japan, users can engage with a chat column that lets them pose questions. The GenTab creates a specialized trip planner, inclusive of calendars, timelines, and maps. It also delivers real-time updates on crowd densities in suggested cities and advice for managing crowds, thereby improving the overall planning experience.

### Adaptable Applications

The chat box in Disco operates as an address bar, with a conventional address bar appearing when users access websites. This dual capability facilitates smooth navigation and interaction. Additional examples of GenTabs include meal and gardening planners, showcasing rich imagery and intricate layouts, along with interactive educational resources, such as 3D representations of the solar system.

Google highlights that all generative components in Disco link back to original web sources, guaranteeing that users can easily trace information and resources.

### User-Centric Interaction

A standout aspect of Disco is its user-friendly design. Users can articulate the tools they require in natural language without needing any programming skills. The platform even recommends generative applications based on the ongoing task, fostering creativity and productivity.

Google envisions Disco as a collaborative instrument that enables users to learn more rapidly and participate in shaping the future of web browsers. By engaging users in the experimentation phase, Google intends to collect insights that will influence the future of browsing technology.

### Future Outlook

Google has announced that the most intriguing ideas generated from Disco might ultimately find their way into larger Google offerings, potentially enhancing Chrome and other services. Currently, Google Labs is launching a waitlist for users keen on trying out Disco, with initial access on macOS.

In summary, Disco symbolizes a notable advancement in web browsing technology, merging AI-driven functionalities with a user-focused design to cultivate a more efficient and enjoyable online experience. As Google continues to enhance this platform, it may well establish the benchmark for the future of web interaction.