Reintroducing Volume Control on Your iPhone’s Lock Screen with iOS 18.2
The latest update, iOS 18.2, has unveiled numerous enhancements centered around Apple Intelligence, but one feature that has particularly excited users is the restoration of lock screen volume control—a functionality removed two years ago. Here’s how to activate and utilize this convenient option on your device.
Revived Feature: Volume Control at Your Fingertips
In previous iterations of iOS, users could effortlessly modify media volume directly from the lock screen while enjoying their favorite tunes or podcasts. However, this capability vanished during the iOS 16 rollout. Fast forward two years later, and it appears that Apple has subtly reinstated this feature in its latest release.
Steps to Enable Lock Screen Volume Control
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Select Accessibility from the menu.
- Tap on Audio & Visual settings.
- Switch on Always Show Volume Control.
Navigating Lock Screen Volume Controls
This enhanced volume control is compatible with both built-in speakers and any connected Bluetooth headphones, making it versatile whether you’re enjoying media content or not.
- For Media Playback:The volume slider will appear as part of the media widget near the bottom of your lock screen; simply slide left or right to set your desired level.
- For System and Call Adjustments:The system’s volume bar is displayed along the left edge—aligned neatly with your physical buttons for easy access.
Pro Tips for Using Your Lock Screen’s Volume Control:
- If you’re currently streaming audio content, slide within its widget for instant adjustment capabilities.
- You have an alternative option: utilize the physical buttons located along your device’s side to change volumes conveniently.
- If engaged in a call, feel free to adjust loudness using these same buttons; a slider will be readily visible on-screen for further precision adjustments!
Access Requirements and Device Compatibility
This newly reintroduced lock screen volume feature is accessible exclusively on devices operating under iOS 18.2 or newer versions. Unfortunately, older models such as iPhone X and iPhone 8—previously capped at updating through iOS 16—cannot enjoy these enhancements!
Your thoughts? Have you upgraded to version 18.2 yet? What are your impressions regarding bringing back variable sounds controls directly from the lock interface? We invite you to share below!
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