5 Little-Known iOS 27 Lock Screen Features You Need to Try

Apple’s iOS 27 is bringing fresh changes to the iPhone lock screen—five new features that fly under the radar yet boost customization like never before. When the update hits in September, you’ll want to know exactly how to make your lock screen uniquely yours.

Unlocking the Secret: How iOS 27 Changes Your Lock Screen

With iOS 27 developer beta out for a couple of months, a handful of fresh lock screen tweaks have surfaced that haven’t got much buzz yet. Running on an iPhone 17 Pro with developer beta 4, users are discovering a new lock screen experience that’s more personal and playful. Once the public release rolls out in September, these updates will be easy to jump into—once you know the swipe gestures and features hiding behind the curtain.

To open the lock screen customization, you swipe down from the top left this time (not the middle, which now opens new Siri), then long press on the lock screen to enter the customization mode.

Stretching Images with AI: The New Extend Feature

One standout is the “extend” feature for wallpapers. Traditionally, photos that don’t fit lock screen dimensions felt cramped or zoomed in. Now, Apple uses AI to generate additional background elements, effectively extending the photo to fill the screen without losing key details.

For example, a zoomed-in shot of LEGO castles gets a seamless background extension created by the AI, blending into the original scene. Users can zoom, recenter, and apply the extend effect directly from the lock screen customization. This makes nearly any photo lock-screen ready, regardless of its original aspect ratio.

Creating Wallpapers from Scratch with Image Playground

Apple has integrated the Image Playground AI right into the lock screen setup, streamlining the process of generating brand-new wallpapers without leaving your phone. Previously available through the Image Playground app since iOS 18, now you can type prompts and generate photorealistic, illustrated, or stylized wallpapers directly.

One interesting quirk is Apple’s content policy—trying to reference specific IP like ‘Goku’ gets blocked, but generic descriptions such as ‘football player with yellow aura’ work fine. Users can even add whimsical touches, like a flying Shiba Inu behind the player, and watch the AI piece it together. While text or number details in the images aren’t always perfect, it’s a creative playground right on your lock screen.

Make the Clock Disappear (Or Shrink)

Clock customization evolves in iOS 27 with a new button that lets you hide the clock completely from the top of the screen. If you find the clock too obtrusive but still want to glance at info on your lock screen, this toggle streamlines the interface. Need the clock back? One tap restores it in an instant. This subtle tweak offers a cleaner aesthetic and flexibility Apple users have wanted.

Swipe Away Media Controls Without Pausing

Media controls on the lock screen are usually stuck there until playback ends or the app closes. Now, iOS 27 lets you swipe those controls away temporarily without stopping the music or video. Want to clear your screen clutter but keep your tunes or show going? Just swipe the media widget off, then bring it back by reopening your app and swiping down again. It’s a neat little gesture that feels surprisingly liberating.

Build Your Own Pride Wallpaper with Up to 12 Colors

Finally, there’s an advanced twist on Apple’s pride wallpapers. In previous updates, Apple offered static pride-themed designs. Now, you can create custom pride wallpapers by mixing up to 12 colors, each changing the design in real time.

Users can start with classic colors like black or white and add any shades they prefer, creating millions of combinations. Once set, unlocking your phone reveals a smooth animation where the wallpaper morphs with your gestures and the UI transitions. This deep level of personalization turns your phone into a canvas for expression beyond just an image.

Apple keeps pushing lock screen customization forward. Gone are the days when the lock screen was a static canvas; now, it’s an evolving space driven by AI and your creativity. iOS 27’s subtle but potent features let you craft a lock screen that’s truly yours—and that’s something every iPhone user should explore when the update arrives.