Apple’s introduction of the StandBy feature in iOS 17 at WWDC 2023 sparked both excitement and skepticism among users. While some view it as a practical addition, others see it as a redundant feature that transforms iPhones into expensive digital clocks. After using StandBy in iOS 17 for several weeks, we have identified five issues that make us skeptical about its usefulness.
In this article, we will delve into the potential drawbacks of iOS 17’s StandBy feature and discuss the concerns that have arisen from its implementation. While the feature initially garnered attention and curiosity, our observations highlight some practical limitations and drawbacks that users should consider. Let’s explore these issues in more detail to gain a comprehensive understanding of StandBy’s implications.
Continuous Charging Decreases Battery Performance
To use StandBy, your iPhone must be charging and in landscape mode. Any lightning cable or MagSafe charger stand that supports landscape mode can be used. However, once you unplug your device, it automatically exits StandBy mode.
While this restriction helps prevent StandBy from draining your iPhone’s battery, it is only a short-term solution. Constantly charging your phone places unnecessary stress on the battery, even with modern chargers that prevent overcharging. Leaving smartphones plugged in for extended periods can still harm overall battery health.
Always-On Display Risks Screen Burn-In
Another concern with StandBy mode is that it increases the risk of screen burn-in. If you leave your iPhone on the same page for extended periods, you may notice black pixels, ghost images, or permanent discoloration on the display.
It is worth noting that using StandBy alone does not automatically cause screen damage. Most iPhone models still turn off their display intermittently and only turn on after detecting movement. Currently, only the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have the ability to stay on permanently due to the always-on display feature.
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Widgets in StandBy Cover Notifications
One major drawback of StandBy mode is that active widgets cover notifications. Although notification badges and previews still appear in StandBy, users cannot interact with them. Even accessing the Notification Center is not possible without unlocking the phone and exiting StandBy.
While it is understandable that enabling notification access could compromise privacy, Apple should provide a workaround. Completely restricting action buttons within StandBy negatively impacts its user interface. Users should be able to use their iPhones without having to remove them from the stand frequently.
Landscape Mode Makes iPhones Hard to Use
Many users feel that StandBy mode does not align well with the iPhone’s dimensions. Even with the larger screen size of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which measures 6.7 inches diagonally, using it in landscape mode can still be challenging. Users often find themselves having to frequently remove their phones from the stand to perform tasks.
Some Apple loyalists even believe that StandBy would be better suited for iPads rather than iPhones. At the time of writing, StandBy is still in its experimental phase. Apple may potentially introduce this feature to iPadOS in a future update, but only time will tell how it evolves.
StandBy Promotes MagSafe Charging Stands
Apple is renowned for its focus on aesthetic innovation, often enticing consumers to purchase their products through hyped-up yet superficial features. StandBy appears to be another gimmick that primarily promotes the use of MagSafe charging stands, even though they are not necessary for using this feature.
Users who desire a clean and wireless setup might find these accessories appealing, but it raises questions about the true functionality of StandBy.
Should You Enable StandBy on Your iPhone? Despite the concerns we have highlighted with StandBy, it is still worth considering trying it on your iPhone if you are already using iOS 17. Many users who frequently utilize iOS widgets or enjoy having an aesthetic digital clock find the StandBy feature helpful.
It is important to note that if you encounter issues, you have the option to downgrade your iPhone from iOS 17 to iOS 16, allowing you to freely explore Apple’s new features. However, it is advisable not to install iOS 17 on your primary device until any potential bugs or drawbacks have been addressed.
In conclusion, while the StandBy feature in iOS 17 has generated a mix of excitement and skepticism, it is essential to acknowledge the potential issues and limitations it presents. The continuous charging requirement, risk of screen burn-in, limitation on interacting with notifications, difficulties in using iPhones in landscape mode, and the promotional aspect of MagSafe charging stands raise concerns about the true value and usability of StandBy.
It is crucial for users to carefully weigh the pros and cons before enabling this feature on their iPhones and to keep in mind that it is still in the experimental phase with room for improvement in future updates.
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