Want a 3D Lock Screen on iPhone? Here's How iOS 26's New Spatial Scene Feature Works
iOS 26 brings a 3D lock screen with Spatial Scene, using AI and motion sensors to add depth and motion to your wallpapers. Here’s how to set it up.
iOS 26 Spatial Scene transforms your iPhone lock screen into a 3D experience with AI-powered depth and animation effects.
Apple is gearing up to officially launch iOS 26 next month, and one of its most talked-about additions is the Spatial Scene feature — a 3D lock screen experience that brings your wallpapers to life. Already available in the iOS 26 public beta, this feature uses AI and motion sensors to add depth and subtle motion to your lock screen images, creating an immersive 3D effect.
🔍 What is the Spatial Scene Feature?
Introduced at WWDC 2025, Apple’s Spatial Scene transforms ordinary still images into interactive 3D wallpapers. When you tilt or move your iPhone, the foreground and background respond with dynamic animations, giving a lifelike depth to your lock screen.
Currently accessible through the iOS 26 public beta, the feature is expected to roll out globally with the official iOS 26 release in September, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 series.
🧭 How to Enable and Use Spatial Scene on iOS 26
Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up the 3D lock screen on your iPhone:
Step 1: Access the Lock Screen Settings
Long-press your lock screen until the customization panel appears.
Tap the "+" icon to add a new wallpaper.
Step 2: Choose a Wallpaper
Select an image manually or choose from Apple’s Spatial Scene suggestions for optimal 3D effect.
Step 3: Enable Spatial Scene
Pinch to zoom and crop the image as needed.
Ensure the hexagon-shaped icon is turned on — this activates the 3D Spatial Scene effect.
Step 4: Customize Your Lock Screen
Modify the clock size, font, and color.
Add widgets that suit your style and functionality.
Once applied, your lock screen will offer a subtle, dynamic 3D movement as you tilt your phone — making for a visually impressive experience.
📝 Final Note
The Spatial Scene feature is currently available only on the public beta of iOS 26. If you're not on the beta, you'll need to wait until the stable update rolls out in September 2025. Once live, this could become one of the most visually exciting features Apple has introduced in recent years.
