With the arrival of iOS 27, control over the iPhone’s lock screen passes to users. Apple, known for its standardized settings, now offers four new customization tools. They allow you to adjust images, create innovative wallpapers, change the position of the clock and remove widgets.
The change represents unprecedented autonomy, allowing the screen to truly reflect the user’s preference, surpassing the company’s standard options. The innovations are significant and their use is intuitive.
Customizing wallpapers directly from iOS 27 settings
One of the big new features is the integration of the Image Playground artificial intelligence tool, which now operates directly on the lock screen settings. Just access the device’s settings, select “Background Image”, then “Add New Background Image” and, finally, tap Image Playground. You can describe the desired image and let the AI produce the result.
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In addition to creating from scratch, the user can transform their own photos, applying various visual effects. When crafting or modifying an image, simply tap the arrows next to “Any Style” to explore options like Animation, Illustration, Sketch, or ChatGPT.
Adjusting photo framing with iOS 27’s Extend feature
There is a frequent challenge in adjusting photographs to the exact format of the lock screen, which are often cropped or have inappropriate proportions. iOS 27 introduces the Extend feature, an innovation that uses artificial intelligence to expand the image, creating additional content around the edges.
This tool corrects distortions, such as crooked horizon lines, by adding visual elements that harmonize with the landscape or sky. In very close-up portraits, the Extend functionality inserts additional space around the main subject, ensuring a natural result.
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The big advantage is that the iOS 27 system automatically identifies images that do not adapt. When a photo is selected and does not fit correctly, the system itself recommends using the Extend option to resolve the issue.
To apply the feature, follow the path: “Settings”, “Wallpaper” and “Add New Wallpaper”, choosing the desired image. Then, just tap the three dots, select “Extend Wallpaper” and confirm the action.
Flexible management of ‘Now Playing’ widget on lock screen
The Now Playing widget appears by default on the lock screen when listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. With iOS 27, you can disable this display. When viewing the widget, swipe left on the playback controls and repeat the gesture to immediately remove it from the screen and also from the Dynamic Island indicator.
It is important to note that the audio is not interrupted when closing the widget, but continues to play in the background. The function only serves to eliminate non-essential visual components from the lock screen.
Rearranging the clock position to optimize the screen layout
The default Apple clock occupies a prominent, central position on the lock screen. iOS 27 offers the freedom to move it to the top area, next to the widgets, or considerably reduce its size. The change is made in “Settings”, “Background Image”, “Personalize”, where the user finds the options to change the position of the clock.
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This flexibility creates more space for the wallpaper, enhancing the image chosen by the user, which becomes the focal point, without competing with the time and date display.
Which of iOS 27’s new features will you try first?
- Fix misaligned photos using the Extend feature.
- Create a unique wallpaper from scratch.
- Hide playback controls with a simple swipe.