Thanks to machine learning, iOS 26 has added the eye-catching Spatial Scenes to compatible Lock Screen wallpapers. What makes it so cool is the ability to turn 2D photos into a 3D-like animated effect. Hence, your wallpaper becomes pleasing to the eyes.
It’s worth noting that till now, this functionality was only possible on Vision Pro. Unfortunately, for some users, the Spatial Scenes feature is not working for iPhone Lock Screen wallpaper. If this issue has ruined your beloved wallpaper as well, let me show you how to resolve this issue. Read on…
Fix Spatial Scenes Not Working for iPhone Lock Screen Wallpaper
From device compatibility to a software bug to a faulty image, there are multiple reasons why this all-new feature starts malfunctioning.
1. Is Your iPhone Compatible with the Spatial Scenes?
Before going ahead, make sure your iPhone is compatible with the Spatial Scenes feature. To ward off any confusion, check out the device compatibility:
📱 iPhone 12 Series (2020)
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 13 Series (2021)
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 14 Series (2022)
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 15 Series (2023)
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro and newer models are best suited for Spatial Scenes.)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
📱 iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
📱 iPhone 17 Series (Rumored for 2025)
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Slim (or “Air”) (rumored name)
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
2. Ensure That You Are Using the 2D Photos
Another important requirement that you must check off is to ensure that you are using the 2D images as your Lock Screen wallpaper. If your images are not compatible, the Spatial Scenes button won’t show up at all.
3. Disable/Enable the Spatial Scenes for Your iPhone Lock Screen Wallpaper
Many a time, you can sort out this frustrating problem by just turning off/on the Spatial Scenes.
- Head over to your Lock Screen > Now, long-press to trigger the Lock Screen customization mode > Customize button.
- Tap on the Spatial Scenes button to disable it > Tap on the Done button at the top-right.
- Next, restart your iPhone and then turn the Spatial Scenes back on > make sure to hit the Done button at the upper-right to confirm the action.
- Now, when you tilt or move your iPhone, your Spatial Scenes Lock Screen wallpaper will respond with subtle motion, neatly incorporating depth and immersion.
4. Update Software
If the issue has not gone away, there is a decent chance that an iOS 26 bug is causing the problem.
- Go to the Settings app on your iOS device > General > Software Update > Check for updates and install the latest update.
5. Factory Reset Your iPhone
Should the Spatial Scenes feature remain dysfunctional, try to factory reset your device to clean up the custom settings and set up everything from scratch.
- On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm.
And that’s about it! I hope the Spatial Scenes feature is back in action, and so is the adorable wallpaper.
