iOS 27 adds a compact clock option for the iPhone Lock Screen, allowing the time to take up considerably less space than the standard clock layout.
The smaller design places the time alongside the date and Lock Screen widgets near the top of the display. This can be useful for wallpapers where the subject or an important part of the image would otherwise sit behind the clock.
The compact clock is configured for each Lock Screen individually, so you can use the smaller layout on one wallpaper while keeping a larger clock on another.
How to use the compact Lock Screen clock in iOS 27
- Wake your iPhone and touch and hold an empty area of the Lock Screen.
- Tap Customize and select the Lock Screen you want to edit.
- Tap the clock to open its customization controls.
- Tap the compact clock button in the top-right corner of the Font & Color panel.
- Check how the smaller clock looks with your wallpaper, then tap Done to save the Lock Screen.
To restore the larger clock, edit the same Lock Screen again, tap the clock and select the compact clock button once more.
