iOS 26 Lock Screen Makeover: Personalization, Widgets, and a Whole New Vibe

Apple is calling iOS 26 one of its most ambitious iPhone updates in years—and for good reason. The update introduces a bold new design language called Liquid Glass, enhances customization options, and introduces features that blur the lines between personalization and utility.

While the big headlines may center around system-wide AI improvements and usability enhancements, one of the most user-facing changes happens the moment your iPhone lights up: the lock screen.

Liquid Glass: A Translucent Touch of Elegance

The first thing you'll notice is the Liquid Glass interface, giving your iPhone a semi-transparent, lens-like feel. It reimagines how layers appear across your screen and makes even small interactions feel modern and sleek.

It may take a bit of getting used to, but this new design language flows across every iOS element—from control panels to notifications—offering visual consistency that feels refined and fluid.

Resizing and Rearranging: Total Clock and Widget Control

With iOS 26, your lock screen isn’t just a place to glance at the time—it’s a creative canvas. You can now:

• Resize the clock by dragging a handle in the corner
  
  

• Tap the date to select from single-line widgets like calendar events, weather, or reminders
  
  

• Customize the layout by holding down on the lock screen and choosing “Customize”

Apple has moved the main widget bar to the bottom of the lock screen, freeing up visual space and improving readability. These widgets can show everything from battery life to fitness rings to world clocks, depending on your installed apps.

Lighting, Depth, and Shortcuts at a Tap

Above the widget section, two new toggles let you adjust:

• Depth effects (ideal for Spatial Photos)
  
  

• Appearance mode: Light, dark, or follow the system setting
  
  

You also gain control over the bottom-left and bottom-right lock screen shortcuts. Want to replace the flashlight with a favorite playlist or stopwatch? Just tap the minus icon next to the shortcut and select something new—or leave it blank for a clean look.

With iOS 26 introducing major visual and functional upgrades, many users may be planning to experiment with the new beta—or even upgrade to a new iPhone altogether. But what happens to your data when you make the switch?

Enter Smart Transfer—a third-party wifi content transfer app that simplifies device transitions. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone, testing iOS betas, or moving between platforms, Smart Transfer’s restore feature helps you:

• Transfer files, photos, videos, contacts, and more
  
  

• Share content across Android and iOS without mobile data
  
  

• Migrate safely without needing cloud storage or cables
  
  

• Back up essentials before testing potentially buggy betas

In the face of massive system updates like iOS 26, Smart Transfer’s smart backup & restore capabilities is your digital safety net, ensuring that your memories and content make the leap with you—effortlessly.

Multiple Lock Screens and Focus Modes

iOS 26 lets you create multiple lock screens for different moods or moments. Just tap and hold your current lock screen, swipe to the side, and tap the plus (+) to create a new one.

You can then assign different wallpapers, emoji grids, or photo slideshows—and even link each lock screen to a specific Focus Mode (like Work, Sleep, or Driving). This allows your iPhone to shift its vibe and notification behavior based on your context.

Display Options, Always On, and Notification Privacy

Through Settings > Display & Brightness, iOS 26 gives you more ways to control screen behavior:

• Auto-Lock: Choose how long your iPhone waits before locking
  
  

• Raise to Wake: Light up your lock screen by simply lifting the phone
  
  

• Always On Display: For Pro and Pro Max models (2022 and newer), you can keep wallpapers and essential notifications visible—even when the phone is locked

And when it comes to notification privacy, iOS 26 lets you fine-tune previews via Settings > Notifications > Show Previews—ideal if you want to keep message content hidden when your phone lights up.

Full-Screen Album Art: A Touch of Theater

In a final flourish, Apple has added animated, full-screen album art for select Apple Music tracks that support it. Just tap the media player widget on your lock screen, and your music turns into a visual showpiece—offering both form and function.

A Lock Screen That Feels Like Yours

iOS 26 doesn't just bring a refreshed interface—it empowers users to make their iPhone feel uniquely personal. From widget placements to theme shifts, shortcut buttons to Focus-driven experiences, the lock screen is now yours to sculpt.

And remember—if you’re experimenting with betas or planning an upgrade soon, let Smart Transfer make that transition smooth, safe, and secure. Because while your iPhone may be getting a new face, your data should always feel right at home.