iOS 26 lock screen update follows Xiaomi HyperOS lead

Apple recently announced a new lock screen customization feature in iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, highlighting variable font sizing for the time display that adapts to different wallpapers. The San Francisco font now stretches or compresses dynamically to ensure visual consistency and clarity, especially with depth wallpapers. While Apple presents this as a major update, it’s important to note that Xiaomi users have had access to comparable lock screen customization through HyperOS since 2024. Xiaomi’s system already offers a range of font styles, color options, and depth effect features that allow clock elements to integrate with wallpaper subjects—an area where Apple is just beginning to catch up.

Apple’s Variable Font Technology

Apple’s new implementation leverages variable font technology, enabling the San Francisco typeface to adjust its weight and width based on available space. This ensures the lock screen time widget remains readable and visually integrated, regardless of the background image’s composition. The system automatically optimizes font appearance for both aesthetic and functional purposes, delivering a more cohesive user experience.

Xiaomi’s Leadership in Lock Screen Customization

Xiaomi established comprehensive lock screen customization with HyperOS in 2024, offering users three primary styles: Classic, Magazine, and Rhombus. These options provide significantly more flexibility than Apple’s current offerings. Users can personalize font styles, colors, and even apply a depth effect that positions the clock and date behind the main subject of the wallpaper—a feature Apple is just now adopting with its variable fonts.

HyperOS has set a high standard for user-driven design, making advanced lock screen personalization accessible as a core part of the Xiaomi experience.

Expanded Customization with HyperOS

For Xiaomi users interested in even more advanced customization, HyperOSUpdates.com and the MemeOS Enhancer app on the Play Store offer additional tools. The MemeOS app provides access to hidden Xiaomi features, system app updates, and enhanced lock screen personalization beyond standard HyperOS settings. Recent beta releases, such as HyperOS 2.1, continue to expand the range of lock screen fonts and display options, reinforcing Xiaomi’s leadership in this space.

HyperOS Downloader Easily check if your phone is eligible for HyperOS 3.0 update!