With the release of iOS 27, Apple continues its trend of giving users more control over the design of the iPhone's Lock Screen. The new features introduced in this version go beyond minor tweaks, offering tools that leverage artificial intelligence to completely transform the look of your device. From the ability to shrink the clock to generating custom wallpapers, the options are designed for those who see the Lock Screen as a canvas for creative expression.
The Extend feature makes its way to the Lock Screen
One of the most interesting additions in iOS 27 is the integration of the Extend function, previously introduced in the Photos app, directly into the Lock Screen. When a photo doesn't match the screen's aspect ratio or is cropped in a less-than-optimal way for a wallpaper, the system automatically suggests using Extend to fix it. Powered by artificial intelligence, the feature generates additional image content around the edges, allowing you to perfectly fit the image to the display dimensions. This means you no longer have to choose between a perfect but poorly cropped image and a wallpaper that doesn't do justice to the original photo.
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Image Playground integrates into the wallpaper picker
iOS 27 also brings significant improvements to Image Playground, Apple's app for generating images using artificial intelligence. Now, from the wallpaper picker in the Settings app or directly on the Lock Screen, you can access a new dedicated Image Playground option. This feature creates stylized versions of photos from your library, with styles like Retro Illustration or Animation. Additionally, you can create a custom wallpaper from scratch simply by describing what you want in natural language. The creative freedom is remarkable and opens up unprecedented possibilities for personalization.
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The clock can be resized and moved among widgets
For years, Apple has allowed you to adjust the size of the clock on the Lock Screen, but iOS 27 goes a step further. Now you can shrink the clock even more and move it to the top row of widgets. This change frees up valuable space on the screen, allowing you to better appreciate your wallpaper. Of course, the trade-off is that the clock becomes less visible from a distance, but for many users, the Lock Screen is primarily a showcase for their favorite images. With this new feature, displaying your shots becomes even easier and more satisfying.
The Now Playing widget can be dismissed without stopping audio
Another highly anticipated feature is the ability to remove the Now Playing widget from the Lock Screen with a simple swipe gesture. Even if you dismiss the widget, audio playback continues without interruption. This option is particularly useful for those who find it annoying to accidentally tap the Now Playing widget while listening to music or a podcast. Now you can enjoy a clean Lock Screen free of unwanted elements, without sacrificing playback controls when you need them.
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iOS 27 is currently available to developers and public beta testers. The final version will be released to everyone later this year. The new customizable Lock Screen represents a further step forward in the evolution of Apple's mobile operating system, giving users powerful and intuitive tools to make their iPhone truly unique.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/05/ios-27-lock-screen-customization
