Apple continues to refine the look and feel of the iPhone with each major iOS release, and iOS 26 emphasizes it more than ever. One change can be introduced local scenes, a feature that allows you to create what apple calls “holographic screens”. Instead of being a flat image, the wallpaper responds to the way you move your device, giving it a sense of depth and movement that feels more dynamic than the background. The result is similar to Apple’s parallax wallpapers that appeared years ago, but this time they are more refined, more responsive and create machine learning that separates the subject from the image.
This effect only works on the lock screen, leave the home screen unless you choose to lock wallpapers. It integrates seamlessly with existing customization tools, including widgets, clock styles and color options, to give your lock screen a new look without limiting your control.
What are local scenes in iOS 26?
Spatial Scenes in iOS 26 offers an immersive and immersive way to customize your iPhone. Unlike static wallpapers, the holographic lock screen responds to movement, adding depth and visual interest. It gives users more control over the appearance of their device, while still maintaining usability and readability. By choosing images with a clear depth and following the step-by-step setup, anyone can create a lock screen that feels powerful and interactive.
Choosing the right image
The type of image you choose is the key to getting a successful holographic lock screen. Images with a clear foreground subject with sufficient separation from the background process effectively. Paintings, pets, buildings and landscapes often produce the best results. Images with cluttered backgrounds, additional filters or heavy editing can confuse the depth of field, producing a less believable effect.
It is also important to consider the placement of your story. Avoid placing the main focus near the subject of the photo, where the clock or widgets can pass, because this can interfere with the visual perception. If you store photos in iCloud with “Excel iPhone Storage” enabled, download the full version first to ensure that the result works well. Choosing the right image will save time and enhance the holographic appearance.
How to create a holographic lock screen
To create a holographic lock screen, first wake up your iPhone and hold your finger on the lock screen until the wallpaper gallery appears. The faucet Custom From an existing wallpaper or select the merge button to add a new one. If you are adding wallpaper, select it Pictures Also browse your library to select an image that shows clear depth of field and a foreground subject.
Once you’ve selected your image, a preview screen appears with a small hexagon icon in the lower right corner. This icon works as a local effect. Tap to allow iOS to process the photo. This program creates a depth map, separating the subject from the background. If the icon does not appear, the image may not be suitable for local scenes, so choosing another image is recommended.
After processing, adjust the image using pinch and drag to zoom in or out. Proper damage ensures that the article is not compatible with the clock or widgets. Once you are satisfied, touch touch In addition or You have resigned. After that you will choose whether you can use the wallpaper as a pair, put it on both the lock and screen screens, or limit it to the lock screen only. The holographic effect will appear whenever you look at your lock screen.
To improve the result
Spatial scenes are supported on iPhone 12 and newer models, because processing depends on advanced chips. Low power mode can interfere with the motion effect, so disabling it can help if the wallpaper appears. Access settings like motion reduction also work with local scenes, so check these if the result doesn’t show. Restarting the device or selecting a different image usually resolves any issues. Wide landscapes and photos with a clear foreground are more reliable, while selfies or filtered photos may not produce the intended depth.
It’s also nice to see that the clock and widgets stay relevant regardless of the outcome. IOS transforms the layer automatically, to ensure that important details are not hidden by deep animations. This balance between movement and learning makes the feature functional and attractive.
Getting a holographic Lock screen
Once your lock screen is set, balancing your iPhone causes the front and back to rotate independently, creating a basic, three-dimensional look. The effect is subtle enough to avoid distraction but noticeable enough to make the lock screen feel alive. You can change clock styles, colors and widget placement without affecting the 3D effect. If later you decide that you prefer a normal wallpaper, just hold on the lock screen and touch the hexagon icon to disable spatial scenes while keeping the image intact.
