Here's a first look at 'dark mode' on the iPhone
- Apple announces dark mode is coming to iPhones through the iOS 13 update this fall.
- I install the iOS 13 developer beta to see what it looks like.
- This is what dark mode in iOS 13 looks like in Apple Maps, Music, Notes, Mail and more.
Earlier this week during its WWDC 19 opening keynote, Apple announced a new dark mode that will come to the iPhone and iPad this fall with the iOS 13 software update.
It's currently available in the developer beta, which I installed to take a peek at what the new feature looks like.
Dark mode, which is already available on Android, changes the typical bright theme to a darker one, which can be easier on the eyes, particularly at night. Some people just think it looks better, and I agree. Developers will be able to add dark mode to their apps using Apple's new tools, but Apple's preinstalled apps such as Notes, News, TV, Music, Reminders, Mail and more already have it in the beta.
In the beta, you turn it on by swiping down from the top right of a newer iPhone (or from the bottom on models without Face ID). Then, tap and hold the display brightness bar and change appearance from light to dark. If you go to Settings > Display & Brightness you can also set dark mode to turn on and off automatically at certain times, or at sunset and sunrise.
Here's a quick look at what it's like:
This is Apple Maps in dark mode
Apple News
Reminders
Notes
Here's what the settings menu looks like
This is the TV app in dark mode
Apple Music
Apple Photos
And finally, this is Messages in dark mode
I think the apps look nice and clean. Keep in mind this is a developer beta, so you can't try it without a developer account until the iOS 13 public preview launches next month, or until the finished version launches this fall. All of this is subject to change by then, too, if Apple decides to make changes to iOS 13 before it launches for the public.