Craig Federighi: Apple Has Considered Nightstand Mode for iPhone X

[MacRumors]

Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi has revealed that Apple has considered a Nightstand mode for iPhone X.

"This is definitely something we've considered," said Federighi, in response to an email from MacRumors reader Zain, who asked whether a Nightstand mode on the iPhone X would be possible. "This probably makes the most sense for customers who charge their phone in a dock that tilts up the phone."

However, Federighi noted that it's "not currently super common" for people to charge their iPhones that way.

Nightstand mode is an Apple Watch feature that allows the watch to be used as a nightstand clock and an alarm clock while it is laying on its side and charging. The watch displays the time in large text, along with the date, the battery's remaining charge, and an upcoming alarm if one is set.

When the Apple Watch is in Nightstand mode and isn't being used, the display turns off. To see the display again, users tap it, press the Digital Crown or the side button, or lightly nudge the Apple Watch. Sometimes, even nudging or tapping the nightstand or other surface the watch is sitting on works.

Since the iPhone X can't be positioned on its side by itself, it could be placed on a wireless charging pad with an angled stand, like this one from RAVPower. Coupled with new tap to wake functionality for the display, the idea of a Nightstand mode for iPhone X could make sense.

Apple could add Nightstand mode to iPhone X in a future update to iOS 11, but it's possible they've already dismissed the idea.

Federighi has been replying to several customer emails over the past week following Apple's iPhone X event at Steve Jobs Theater. MacRumors obtained full headers of this latest email, which can be traced back to Apple's headquarters.

Article Link: Craig Federighi: Apple Has Considered Nightstand Mode for iPhone X

 

[LordQ]

I find it cool that Craig is replying to customers' emails. He should be CEO.

 

[Jamalien]

How about an always on display too

 

[Rocketman]

I have a vertical charging station for my phones/pads. It allows you to view notifications while charging.

 

[ricktat]

and my email of " Y U NO MAKE TUCH ID ON X"

has had no response

 

[TechRemarker]

The more interesting thing is AirPower, and how one it's white, and seems so odd since so few people will have a bright white night stand, where is black would certainly go with far more night stands. I get white for airpods and everything since that acts as marketing when you are out in public, but in your bedroom it's pretty much hopefully just your family that would see it so hope they introduce a black version. But in regards to this article, there doesnt seem to be a way to do nightstand mode on the apple watch with airpower pad which is quite unfortunate since nightstand mode is amazing for the apple watch.

 

[BvizioN]

How about an always on display too

I would like that. I thought it was gimmick but after using it on galaxy S8 I love it.

 

[Kid Red]

I've charged my phone in a stand for years. How is it no super common? There are tons of stands available on the market, I wouldn't so quickly dismiss the percentage of titled charging iPhones.

 

[FelixDerKater]

I’ll take it.

 

[Number-Six]

The nightstand mode is next to useless on the Watch (unless you're actually sleeping ON the nightstand the watch is on), I would imagine it'd be just as pointless if they implemented it on the iPhone

 

[AT&T representative]

I didn’t know that my Apple Watch had “nightstand” mode. I always wondered why the screen changed whenever I charged it on it’s side. I thought it was a glitch.

 

[stu.h]

I find it super useful to just knock the bedside table to display the time whilst it's in nightstand mode!

 

[Ryanmrash]

I’ve wanted this on every iPhone I’ve ever owned, angled stand or not...I mean my current phone lives in a kickstand case. How hard would it be?

 

[Aston441]

How about an always on display too

Burn in issues probably.

 

[djeeyore25]

“We’ve pulled the entire Mac Pro and Mac Mini teams away from their regular work to experiment with this feature.”

 

[RickInHouston]

I find it cool that Craig is replying to customers' emails. He should be CEO.

Baby was put in the corner after the demo fiasco. He's doing what it takes to crawl out.

 

[44267547]

I find it cool that Craig is replying to customers' emails. He should be CEO.

Federighi is the Senior Vice President of software engineering and This is what Apple should be responding to customers questions or inquiries. The iPhone X has new technology, so naturally there will be a lot of questions with the unknown factors about the iPhone X. But Just because he responds to emails, doesn't necessarily make him qualified to be the CEO of Apple, even though I like his style.

 

[Ryanmrash]

I find it cool that Craig is replying to customers' emails. He should be CEO.

I should email him and suggest that an Apple Music subscription should include upgraded iCloud storage. Apple has begun to nickle-and-dime us to death for their services.

 

[Phil A.]

Burn in issues probably.

There should be no burn in issues with an always on display - they typically move around to avoid it

 

[hussainh1]

With the iPhone X's ability to tell when the user is looking at the phone, the display should wake in nightstand mode using FaceID

 

[Superhappytree]

Have they also considered making the UX and UI less of a clusterf*ck?

 

[Superhappytree]

I find it cool that Craig is replying to customers' emails. He should be CEO.

He’s behind iOS though isn’t he? We give him far too much praise considering all the glitches, lags and UI issues that we’re currently having. iOS 11 still feels like it’s in beta.

 

[notatwork]

I've been using the Disappearing Bedside Clock app on my iPhone for years: http://mn-oil.com/BedsideClock/

 

[LordQ]

He’s behind iOS though isn’t he? We give him far too much praise considering all the glitches, lags and UI issues that we’re currently having. iOS 11 still feels like it’s in beta.

Nope, iOS 11 is perfect for me (6s) absolutely zero issues.

 

[Saipher]

Can we please have this feature! I already use my iPhone as my main alarm, might as well use it as a “clock” on my nightstand.