iOS 17 Adds Landscape Mode to More Apple Apps
Apple's upcoming iOS 17 update expands landscape orientation support to a wider range of built-in applications, including Apple Music and Health. This feature, previously available in select apps and phased out on earlier iPhone models, is seen by some as preparation for a rumored foldable 'iPhone Ultra,' expected later this year.
Key points
- iOS 17 will introduce landscape mode support to more of Apple's native iPhone applications.
- Affected apps include Apple Music, Podcasts, Fitness, Health, Reminders, and others.
- Some apps, like Apple Music and Podcasts, currently offer limited landscape functionality, such as in the audio player.
- This expansion of landscape support is speculated to be a preparatory move for a potential foldable 'iPhone Ultra' device.
- iOS 17 is currently in beta, with a public release anticipated in September alongside potential hardware announcements.
Apple's forthcoming iOS 17 operating system is set to bring back and expand landscape mode functionality to a significantly larger number of its built-in iPhone applications. This move represents a notable shift, as landscape orientation support has been selectively available and, in some cases, previously removed from iOS.
New additions to landscape compatibility include popular apps such as Apple Music, Podcasts, Fitness, Health, Reminders, and Home. While support varies, some applications like Apple Music and Podcasts will offer landscape views primarily for their audio playback interfaces. Many of these apps will adopt a sidebar design, typically aligned to the left, when used in a horizontal orientation. This feature requires users to disable Portrait Orientation Lock in Control Center.
The renewed focus on landscape mode is fueling speculation that it could be a strategic enhancement for Apple's anticipated 'iPhone Ultra,' a rumored foldable device. This potential new hardware is also expected to be unveiled around September, coinciding with the expected public release of iOS 17. Historically, iOS offered broader home screen landscape support on larger 'Plus' models before its discontinuation with the iPhone X.
Sources
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