Apple’s new iOS 26 update adds a cool feature called Spatial Scenes that makes your boring lock screen look like it’s moving and three-dimensional. This new technology uses advanced depth mapping to make your regular photos look like holographic wallpapers that move with your phone.
If you tilt your iPhone, the picture will look like it has a slight parallax effect, which makes it look like you can see around the objects in the foreground. This isn’t just a cool visual effect; it’s part of Apple’s larger plan to get into spatial computing, which will give millions of people who already have the device access to augmented reality.
Apple has been working on depth-sensing technology for years. It started with Portrait Mode on the iPhone 7 Plus and has continued with LiDAR sensors on Pro models. The holographic effect separates the foreground and background of your pictures and then adds a 3D effect that reacts to the motion sensors on your device.
This is really cool because you can use this effect on almost any picture in your library, not just ones taken in certain modes. The end result is a lock screen that looks and feels real and shows off your favorite memories in a way that has never been done before.
Using Spatial Scenes to change your lock screen
The new Spatial Scenes feature in iOS 26 is a big improvement over the old wallpaper options. These holographic wallpapers are different from static images or simple dynamic backgrounds in that they respond to your movement, making the experience more interactive. Apple has added this feature to the wallpaper customization system without any problems, so anyone with an iPhone 12 or later can use it.
When you look at Spatial Scenes next to regular wallpaper options, the differences are clear:
| Feature | Traditional Wallpapers | iOS 26 Spatial Scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Depth Effect | Flat or pre-set parallax | Dynamic 3D based on device movement |
| Customization | Basic filters and colors | Intelligent foreground/background separation |
| Device Requirements | Most iOS devices | iPhone 12 and later |
| Interaction | None or simple animation | Motion-responsive via gyroscope |
| Content Source | Static images or Live Photos | Almost any existing photo |
It’s surprisingly easy to set up your holographic lock screen. Check that your device has updated to iOS 26 by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Newer iPhone models are required because older iPhones lack the advanced motion sensors and processing power needed for the feature. After the update, you can turn almost any picture with a clear subject into a 3D scene.
Step-by-Step guide to Holographic Wallpaper
Follow these simple steps to activate the holographic effect on your lock screen:
- Access Wallpaper Settings: Press and hold on your current lock screen until the customization menu appears. Tap the “+” button to create a new wallpaper setup.
- Select Your Photo: Choose any image from your photo library that has a clear distinction between foreground and background elements. Photos with obvious subjects like people, pets, or prominent objects work best.
- Activate Spatial Effect: Look for the hexagonal Spatial Capture icon in the top right corner of the preview screen and tap it. Your device will take a moment to process the image and generate the 3D effect.
- Adjust and Finalize: Reposition your photo if needed by pinching to zoom or dragging with two fingers. Tap “Add” or “Done” to set your new holographic wallpaper.
The magic happens thanks to Apple’s advanced depth mapping technology. It automatically finds layers in your two-dimensional photos and connects them in three dimensions.
When you move your phone, these layers move at different speeds, which makes it look like you’re seeing real things from different angles. This is the same basic technology that powers Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing platform, but it has been changed for the iPhone.
Choose pictures with clear subjects and backgrounds for the best results. Pictures taken in portrait mode usually work very well because they already have depth data.
Don’t use pictures that are too busy because the AI might have trouble making out the different parts. The effect works best on pictures of pets, people, landscapes with clear foreground interest, or buildings with strong perspective lines.
