How to Create a Holographic Lock Screen with Spatial Scenes in iOS 26

iOS 26 introduces Spatial Scenes, a feature that transforms your lock screen photo into a dynamic, holographic-like 3D wallpaper that subtly moves as you tilt your iPhone. Here’s how to set it up and make it look its best.

📍 Requirements & How It Works

Compatible Devices: iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 26.
How It Works: iOS uses AI to analyze the depth in your photo, separating the foreground subject from the background. This creates an independent parallax (3D motion) effect only on the lock screen when you tilt the phone.

📱 Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Follow these simple steps to activate the holographic effect.

Step	Action	Key Detail
1. Enter Customization	Press and hold on your lock screen until it shrinks, then tap the “+” button.	You can also tap “Customize” on an existing wallpaper.
2. Choose Your Photo	Select “Photos” and pick an image with a clear subject and background.	The hexagon icon (Spatial Scenes) will only appear for compatible photos.
3. Enable the Effect	Tap the hexagon icon in the bottom-right corner.	iOS will process the image to build the depth map.
4. Adjust & Set	Frame your subject so it doesn’t overlap the clock/widgets, then tap “Add.”	Choose to apply it to Lock Screen only or both Lock & Home Screen.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Result

The quality of the 3D effect depends heavily on your chosen photo.

Ideal Photos: Images with a clear, distinct foreground subject (person, pet, object) and a distant, uncluttered background. Portrait mode photos often work perfectly.
Photos to Avoid: Flat images, busy patterns, or photos where the subject blends into the background.
If the Effect Doesn’t Work:
- Ensure Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion is OFF.
- Turn off Low Power Mode.
- Restart your iPhone if the effect seems glitchy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this on my Home Screen?
No. The live Spatial Scene effect is exclusive to the Lock Screen. You can set a static version of the same image for your Home Screen.
Why is the hexagon icon missing?
This means iOS can’t detect sufficient depth in your photo. Try a different image with more obvious separation between subject and background.
Can I use any photo from my library?
Yes, including photos not taken on your current iPhone, as long as they meet the depth requirements.
How do I turn it off?
Press and hold the lock screen, tap “Customize,” and then tap the active hexagon icon to disable the Spatial Scene effect for that wallpaper.