Apple has introduced several improvements to focus modes in iOS 16, and one of them is the ability to link a custom lock screen to a specific focus mode. With so many customization options that can now be applied to lock screens, this means you can customize them specifically to better reflect your focus.
One of the best things about iOS 16 is that it allows you to make lock screens more informative or functional, and then switch to your favorite when you need to. For example, when you’re in the office, you might have a lock screen with work-focused widgets and a family photo. Or in the evening, when you relax before bed, you may prefer a minimal lock screen with fewer widgets and a soothing sunset wallpaper.
It’s best that by linking a lock screen to a focus mode, you can make the switch to your custom lock screen automatically happen at a specific time or even at a specific location. As shown in the image above, you can link lock screens to existing focus modes by tapping the Focus button in the lock screen gallery, which is accessed from your iPhone’s active lock screen with a long pressure.
You can also select a lock screen when creating a new focus mode in Settings. Here’s how it works in iOS 16, which is currently in beta and will be released in the fall.
Creating a scheduled focus with a custom lock screen
In this example, we have already customized a lock screen that we want to activate at the end of the workday, and now we will create a Focus mode to link it by following the steps below.
- On the iPhone, go to Settings -> Focus and tap the + icon at the top right of the screen to create a new focus.
- Tap Custom on the next screen, then give your Focus a name and a related icon, then tap Next.
- Set any notification silence options for people and apps when your Focus is active, and then in “Customize screens,” choose the Lock screen option.
- Create a new lock screen from the gallery, or choose from existing lock screens.
- With the lock screen linked, tap Add automation to “Activate automatically”.
- On the New Automation screen, select Time.
- Activate Schedule and choose the time you want your Focus to be active and on which days of the week.
With your new Focus mode now programmed, the associated lock screen will also be activated at the same time.
IOS 16 is currently undergoing beta testing to give Apple time to fix any bugs, as well as to allow developers to prepare their apps. A public release is expected in the fall, probably around October.