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Title: How to make your lock screen background holographic in iOS 26

Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2025 11:00:49 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/h...

Apple continues to refine the look and feel of the iPhone with each major iOS
release, and iOS 26 places more emphasis than ever on personalization. The
one big change is the introduction of Spatial Scenes, a feature that allows
you to create what Apple calls ΓÇ£holographicΓÇ¥ lock screens. Instead of
being a flat image, the wallpaper reacts to the way you move your device,
giving it a sense of depth and motion that feels far more dynamic than a
standard background. The effect is similar to the parallax wallpapers Apple
experimented with years ago, but this time it is more refined, more
responsive and built around machine learning that separates the subject from
the background in a photo.

This effect works exclusively on the lock screen, leaving the home screen
static unless you choose to pair wallpapers. It integrates seamlessly with
existing customization tools, including widgets, clock styles and color
options, giving your lock screen a fresh appearance without limiting your
control.

What are Spatial Scenes in iOS 26?

Spatial Scenes in iOS 26 provides a more immersive and interactive way to
personalize the iPhone. Unlike static wallpapers, the holographic lock screen
responds to movement, adding depth and visual interest. It gives users more
control over their deviceΓÇÖs appearance, while still preserving usability
and readability. By selecting images with clear depth and following the step-
by-step setup, anyone can create a lock screen that feels dynamic and
engaging.

Choosing the right photo

The type of image you select is key to achieving a successful holographic
lock screen. Photos with a clear subject in the foreground with sufficient
separation from the background process more effectively. Portraits, pets,
buildings and landscapes often yield the best results. Images with busy
backgrounds, excessive filters or heavy editing can confuse the depth
detection, producing a less convincing effect.

It is also important to consider the placement of your subject. Avoid placing
the main focus near the top of the photo, where it could overlap the clock or
widgets, as this may interfere with the visual layering. If you store photos
in iCloud with ΓÇ£Optimize iPhone StorageΓÇ¥ enabled, download the full-
resolution version first to ensure the effect works correctly. Choosing the
right photo will save time and improve the overall holographic appearance.

How to create a holographic lock screen

To create a holographic lock screen, start by waking up your iPhone and
holding your finger on the lock screen until the wallpaper gallery appears.
Tap Customize on an existing wallpaper or select the plus button to add a new
one. If you are adding a new wallpaper, choose Photos and browse your library
to select an image that shows a clear depth of field and a distinct
foreground subject.

Once youΓÇÖve picked your photo, a preview screen appears with a small
hexagon icon in the lower right corner. This icon activates the Spatial Scene
effect. Tap it to allow iOS to process the image. The system creates a depth
map, separating the subject from the background. If the icon does not appear,
the photo may not be good for Spatial Scenes, so choosing another image is
recommended.

After processing, adjust the image using pinch and drag gestures to zoom or
reposition the subject. Proper framing ensures the subject does not conflict
with the clock or widgets. Once satisfied, tap Add or Done. You will then
choose whether to apply the wallpaper as a pair, which sets it for both lock
and home screens, or restrict it to the lock screen only. The holographic
effect will appear whenever you view your lock screen.

Optimizing the effect

Spatial Scenes are supported on iPhone 12 models and newer, since the
processing relies on more advanced chips. Low Power Mode may interfere with
the motion effect, so disabling it can help if the wallpaper appears static.
Accessibility settings like Reduce Motion also impact Spatial Scenes, so
check these if the effect does not display. Restarting the device or
selecting a different image often resolves any issues. Wide landscapes and
images with a clear foreground are the most reliable, while selfies or highly
filtered photos may not produce the intended depth.

It is also worth noting that the clock and widgets remain legible regardless
of the effect. iOS adjusts the layering automatically, ensuring important
information is not obscured by the animated depth. This balance between
motion and readability makes the feature practical as well as visually
appealing.

Experiencing the holographic lock screen

Once your lock screen is set, tilting your iPhone causes the foreground and
background to shift independently, creating a layered, three-dimensional
look. The effect is subtle enough to avoid distraction but noticeable enough
to make the lock screen feel alive. You can still change clock styles, colors
and widget placements without disrupting the 3D effect. If you later decide
you prefer a standard wallpaper, simply hold down on the lock screen and tap
the hexagon icon to disable Spatial Scenes while keeping the photo intact.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/h...
background-holographic-in-ios-26-110049999.html?src=rss

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