Can Always On Display Be Landscape: Exploring the Landscape Orientation for Always On Display Feature

The Always On Display (AOD) is a popular feature in many modern smartphones and some tablets, allowing essential information like time, date, notifications, and battery status to remain visible even when the device screen is off. For users who prefer or require different orientations for their devices—for example, if your phone is docked sideways on a charging stand or you use a horizontal bedside setup—the question arises: Can Always On Display be landscape rather than the typical portrait orientation?

Most default AOD implementations, especially on Android and iOS, display information in portrait mode. However, orientation support depends largely on the device manufacturer, operating system version, and any customization layers (such as Samsung's One UI or Xiaomi's MIUI) that sit atop standard Android. On some devices, the AOD can automatically rotate to landscape when the device orientation changes, but on many models, this is not an option by default.

For example, certain Samsung Galaxy devices with One UI allow limited flexibility—AOD may switch to landscape if the device detects it is lying flat in a specific orientation, or when connected to external accessories (like Samsung DeX stations). Others may restrict AOD orientation to portrait only, prioritizing battery life and screen burn-in protection.

If landscape AOD is important for your setup, you can:

1. Check your device settings for orientation options within the AOD or lock screen display menu.
2. Look for third-party customization apps on Google Play or the App Store, which may offer more flexible AOD configurations (though they sometimes come with security or battery trade-offs).
3. Consider creative stand or mounting options that present your device in portrait to optimize readability and appearance, if native landscape AOD isn’t supported.

As a designer, I often encounter clients wanting their home office spaces or bedroom setups to integrate tech seamlessly—sometimes with the idea of using phones or tablets as always-on clocks or notification stations. When arranging home office layout and technology zones, it's essential to consider not only the look but also practical limitations like AOD orientation. A solution might involve integrating a small vertical stand or a dedicated smart display that natively supports landscape information, blending design with functionality for a cohesive and efficient environment.

Tips 1:

Always check official support forums or your device's user manual for the most up-to-date information on AOD features, as manufacturers frequently update software capabilities.

FAQ

Q: Can I manually set Always On Display to landscape mode?

A: Most phones do not offer a direct setting to force AOD into landscape; however, some models may automatically adjust based on device position or external accessories.

Q: Do third-party AOD apps support landscape orientation?

A: Some third-party apps offer greater customization and may support landscape; check user reviews and permissions before installing.

Q: Will using landscape AOD affect my battery life?

A: Orientation itself generally doesn’t impact battery, but more complex or active AOD features (like animations or custom backgrounds) can increase battery drain.

Q: Can AOD burn-in happen if I keep the display in landscape mode?

A: Burn-in risk is primarily related to static images and prolonged usage; manufacturers use techniques to mitigate this, but caution is still recommended, especially on OLED screens.

Q: Is landscape AOD available on iPhones?

A: As of now, Apple’s AOD implementation remains primarily in portrait orientation, with limited or no landscape support.