5 Reasons We Dislike iOS 17’s StandBy Feature
Apple’s new StandBy feature drew mixed reactions at WWDC 2023. Some think it’s a functional add-on, while others feel it’s a redundant feature that turns iPhones into overpriced digital clocks.
Unfortunately, StandBy might not be as handy as Apple says. Here are five issues we noticed after using StandBy in iOS 17 for several weeks.
1. Constant Charging Decreases Battery Performance
Your iPhone must be charging and in landscape mode for StandBy to work. you’re able to use any lightning cable or MagSafe charger stand that works in landscape mode. Once you unplug your device, it’ll automatically exit StandBy mode.
This restriction prevents StandBy from draining your iPhone’s battery, but it’s a short-term solution. Constantly charging your phone puts it under unnecessary stress. Even if modern chargers prevent overcharging, leaving smartphones plugged in for hours still hurts their overall battery health.
Adapt othergood charging habits to improve your smartphone’s battery life, like turning off wireless features, closing background apps, and avoiding battery drainage.
2. Always-On Display Causes Screen Burn-In
Another issue with StandBy mode is it increases the risks of screen burn-in. You might notice black pixels, ghost images, or permanent discoloration if you leave your iPhone on the same page for extended periods.
Of course, using StandBy doesn’t automatically cause screen damage. Most iPhone models still turn off their display intermittently—they only turn on after detecting movement. At the time of writing, only the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max can stay on permanently because of the always-on display feature.
Whether you use StandBy mode or not, considerturning off the always-on display on your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max. It’s a simple way to prevent screen burn-in.
3. Widgets in StandBy Cover Notifications
iPhone’s active widgets cover alerts. Although notification badges and previews still pop up in StandBy, you can’t engage with them. Even the Notification Center is unavailable. You’ll have to unlock your phone and exit StandBy to answer any notification.
We understand that enabling notification access compromises privacy, but Apple must provide a workaround. Locking action buttons altogether hurts StandBy’s user interface. You should be able to use your iPhone without taking it off the stand too often.
Customize your widgets inStandBy mode—set up your most frequently used functions so that you’re able to leave your iPhone locked and charging.
4. iPhones Are Hard to Use in Landscape Mode
Many users feel StandBy doesn’t suit the iPhone’s dimensions. The iPhone 14 Pro Max measures 6.7 inches diagonally, yet using it in landscape mode is still challenging. You’ll find yourself taking your phone on and off the stand when using it. Even Apple loyalists think they’d prefer using StandBy on iPads rather than iPhones.
Thankfully, StandBy is still in its experimental phase at the time of writing. Apple could potentially bring this feature to iPadOS in a subsequent update, but only time will tell how it plays out.
5. StandBy Promotes MagSafe Charging Stands
Apple thrives on aesthetic innovation. Consumers get roped into buyingoverpriced Apple productsthrough hyped-up yet superficial features. They eventually adopt the entire ecosystem.
Considering the overall functionality of StandBy, it merely seems like another gimmick. Apple is likely marketing MagSafe charging stands, although you don’t need one to use this feature. And users who want a neat, wireless setup might find these accessories appealing.
Should You Enable StandBy on Your iPhone?
Despite the issues we noticed on StandBy, you should still consider trying it on your iPhone. If you’re already on iOS 17—you might as well use it. Most users who use iOS widgets frequently or want an aesthetic digital clock find the StandBy feature helpful.
And don’t fret over the rumored downsides of the beta iOS versions. If you face issues, you can downgrade your iPhone from iOS 17 to iOS 16, so freely explore Apple’s new features. Just don’t install it on your primary device, though.
If you’re running the iOS 17 beta, you need to use an IPSW file to revert to iOS 16. Here’s how to do it.
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