There are only a few days left until we find out what Apple has planned for the next version of its iPhone software, iOS 17. That update won't appear until this fall, but it is certain that iOS 17 will be previewed as part of the WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5.

But don't wait until June to find out what Apple has planned. iOS 17 is starting to reveal some details, and one feature in particular looks like it could make the iPhone more useful, even when the iPhone is locked.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, one of the changes coming to iOS 17 is a new interface that appears when the iPhone is locked and in landscape mode. This interface displays calendar appointments, weather, incoming notifications, and other relevant information, and essentially becomes a smart display when the iPhone is not in use.

This is all old hat for Android users, who have enjoyed similar functionality since 2019. Similarly, Google's Pixel Tablet, which is currently available for pre-order, can be used as a smart display when it is charging in a dock. Apple is not likely to break new ground here.

In response, iPhone users might say, "Great, but I don't use an Android device and have no plans to order a Pixel Tablet." So while this new feature may not score points for Apple in terms of innovation, it will certainly make the iPhone more useful.

This seems to be the driving force behind many of the changes Apple has introduced to iOS over the past few years, starting with the introduction of widgets in iOS 14. With the introduction of widgets, iPhone users can now display relevant information right there on the home screen, eliminating the need to bother opening an app. For example, I can find out the current temperature just by looking at the weather widget on my home screen.

In last year's iOS 16 update, these widgets were moved from the home screen to the lock screen as Apple added the ability to customize the iPhone lock screen. iOS 17's feature, which Gurman describes, when locked and held horizontally iPhone is converted into a smart display, which seems like the next logical step in Apple's efforts to provide relevant and actionable information at a glance.

We had heard rumors that iOS 17 would not be a very significant update because Apple was devoting development resources to preparing VR/AR headsets for the WWDC sneak preview. Subsequent reports have suggested that iOS 17 will have some more substantial changes than originally imagined, but we do not expect this year's iPhone software update to be a major overhaul.

So what other upgrades should we expect, Bloomberg expects "significant changes to the iPhone's Wallet app and enhanced location services." In addition to a revamped control center, there will also be a new diary app, a new health feature to track moods, and an upgrade to SharePlay.

Overall, the new iOS 17 doesn't really need to be earth-shattering. The best software updates enhance features we are already accustomed to using and make them even easier to use. This is a perfect representation of what Apple is said to be doing with its smart display-like mode. Personally, I can't wait to see this in action.

And with WWDC 2023 getting closer and closer, Apple has just confirmed that the kick-off keynote will take place on June 5 at 10 am PST/1 pm EST.