Display and appearance
Dark Mode
Most people call this the dark theme.
Dark Mode switches the system and supporting apps to a dark colour scheme, and can follow a schedule such as sunset to sunrise.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 13 and later
- Settings
- Display & Brightness
- Appearance
What it does
The system interface, wallpaper dimming and every app that supports it switch to dark backgrounds. Automatic mode changes appearance on a schedule you set.
What changes
When it is on
Backgrounds become dark and text becomes light across the system.
When it is off
Everything returns to the light appearance.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Far more comfortable at night.
- Saves a little power on models with an OLED display.
- Reduces glare in a dark cinema or bedroom.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Light text on dark backgrounds is harder to read for some people.
- Some apps handle it badly and become low contrast.
Battery
Depends how you use it
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: Light appearance, unless you choose otherwise during setup.
Questions people actually ask
- Does Dark Mode save battery?
- On an OLED screen, a little, because black pixels are switched off. On an LCD model it saves nothing.
If it is not working
- Apps that have not adopted it stay light. That is the app, not your settings.
- Smart Invert is a different feature and is not a substitute for Dark Mode.