Ultimate Guide to Redesigning Your iPhone Lock Screen

With the release of iOS 26, Apple has unveiled a range of exciting features aimed at empowering users to personalize their devices more than ever before. The most noteworthy update centers around enhanced customization for the lock screen. Dive into this guide to explore the various ways you can revamp your lock screen and enjoy a fresh digital experience each day.

1. Experience the Liquid Glass-Style Clock

Before implementing these new features, ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26. You can verify this by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

Once your device is updated, wake your iPhone by pressing the power button to reveal the lock screen. To begin customizing, long-press anywhere on the screen until the Customization button appears, and then select it.

Next, tap on the clock displayed at the top of the screen to explore the customization options.

Tapping the clock on iPhone lock screen.

Select the Glass style at the bottom to apply this elegant design.

Choosing Liquid Glass clock design on iPhone lock screen.

Once you’ve selected your preferred color and font style, you’ll notice a striking transformation, as the numerals take on a translucent quality that beautifully reflects and refracts their surroundings.

To finalize your adjustments, press the X to exit the Font & Color pop-up, then hit Done to save your new style.

Saving the new Liquid Glass-style clock on iPhone lock screen.

2. Experiment with the Stretched-Out Clock Look

If you prefer a more unconventional appearance, consider stretching the clock. This feature is exclusive to select photos and will only appear if there’s adequate space above the main subject in your chosen image.

Access the Customize panel again and tap on the image thumbnail in the lower-right corner to begin.

Opt for Choose Photo to sift through your gallery and select an image with ample empty space at the top.

Selecting a photo for iOS 26 Lock Screen.

If you’ve been using one of the alternate clock fonts, the stretching option won’t be available. First, tap on the clock to open customization options and ensure the globe icon is selected.

Pressing the globe icon on the iPhone lock screen.

Be sure to select Arabic Western as your format.

Afterward, switch back to the first font choice, revealing the drag handle on your clock.

Housing the drag handle on the iPhone lock screen.

This allows you to stretch the clock, potentially covering up to half your screen space while still giving you the option for a smaller aesthetic.

View of the stretched clock on iPhone lock screen in iOS 26.

3. Relocate Lock Screen Widgets to the Bottom

Previously, lock screen widgets could only be added above the clock. However, iOS 26 now allows you to move them to the bottom of your screen if that suits your preference.

Access the Customize panel, then select Add Widgets at the top to choose your desired widgets.

To position the widget frame, long-press it and drag it to the bottom of the screen. Note that currently, placing the frame elsewhere is not an option.

iPhone lock screen view with widgets positioned at the bottom.

Be aware that if you stretch your clock while widgets are positioned at the top, they will automatically move to the bottom.

4. Utilize a Spatial Scene Wallpaper

iOS 26 introduces an innovative feature that allows your iPhone to create 2D or 3D spatial scenes from your photos, which can serve as captivating lock screen wallpapers.

Begin by accessing the Customize interface and tapping on the thumbnail image once more. Select Choose Photo to browse your gallery.

Swipe right at the top and choose Spatial Scene to view a curated selection of compatible images for your lock screen.

iOS 26 Lock Screen Select Compatible Photo.

You may also use other images from your gallery, provided they are compatible with the Spatial Scene feature. Look for the hexagonal icon in the lower right corner to create a Spatial Scene from your selected photo.

To disable the effect, simply tap the icon again.

5. Enjoy Animated Effects While Playing Music

If you frequently listen to music on your device, iOS 26 enhances your experience with animated effects on the lock screen while using Apple Music.

Start playing a song on Apple Music, then lock your screen. Upon unlocking, the Now Playing bar will become visible at the bottom of the screen.

iOS 26 Lock Screen Now Playing Apple Music.

Tap the album artwork to view the full-screen experience, turning the album cover into an animated visual directly on your lock screen.

If you do not see the animations, ensure you check the following settings: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and turn off Reduce Motion.