What Should You Use on Your iPhone or iPad?
Since Apple introduced Dark Mode in 2019 as part of its iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 updates, among the most debated choices is the selection between Light Mode and Dark Mode on our beloved iPhones and iPads
Dark Mode gained popularity quickly, with many users liking its modern and more stylish appearance. On the other hand, some have retained their use and appreciation of the pre-existing Light appearance theme.
If you’re torn between the two, we’ll discuss the pros of both modes to help you decide.
The Pros of Using Light Mode on an iPhone or iPad
With its bright and colorful interface, Light Mode provides a sense of familiarity, accessibility, and improved reading that many users appreciate. An appreciation made even more compelling when we delve into its advantages.
1. Improves Readability
Yes, Light Mode is, in fact, easier to read under certain conditions. The dark text on a light background enhances visibility and perceptibility to our vision.
Light Mode is also helpful in reducing glare when using your iPhone or iPad in well-lit environments, such as outdoors or in well-lit rooms. Furthermore, it provides a more accurate color representation of text and icons.
2. Conventional Look
For some users, the default setting is the best. Being the traditional look of the user interface, Light Mode serves as a familiar and comfortable choice to many users. The default appearance was actually created to imitate a blank sheet of paper which people were accustomed to before the advent of the digital age.
3. Better for People With Visual Impairments
Light Mode enhances the visibility of text and icons for users with visual impairment due to its contrast and color scheme.
It’s especially better for people with dyslexia and astigmatism, which occurs in about one out of every three people in the United States. Since Dark Mode uses light on dark text, users with dyslexia or astigmatism find it difficult to read, which makes Light Mode the preferred choice for them.
The Pros of Using Dark Mode on an iPhone or iPad
The advent of Dark Mode ushered in aesthetics and functionality to iPhone and iPad users. So, it’s no surprise that this appearance setting rapidly gained popularity. Aesthetics aside, here are the benefits of using Dark Mode on your device:
1. Reduces Eye Strain
Dark Mode reduces eye strain due to reduced blue light exposure. Blue light is part of the natural electromagnetic energy spectrum and has higher energy than other colors. Our device screens emit it and can cause digital eye strain or even interfere with sleep if exposed to it during nighttime.
2. Conserves Power
Modern iPhones use OLED screens that light up each pixel individually. So, when using Light Mode, your iPhone will emit light from almost all the pixels, consuming more energy, which results in a slightly shorter battery life.
However, if you use Dark Mode, most of these pixels will be turned off because the background is predominantly black, preserving your battery life.
3. Good for Low-Light Settings
A further benefit of Dark Mode is its compatibility with low-light settings. Dark Mode’s subdued color scheme provides a focused interface with less glare and reflections. It will also not cause the environmental disruptions using a bright screen can cause in a low-light environment.
For instance, if you use your iPhone at night or at a movie theater, Light Mode would interfere with the environment’s dark lightning while Dark Mode will not.
Choosing the Right Appearance for Your iPhone
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you use your iPhone or iPad outdoors frequently, you should opt for Light Mode for enhanced visibility and readability. However, if you prioritize better eye care and prolonged battery life, Dark Mode should be your preferred option.
You should also not rule out the possibility of switching between both display modes for better balance. Enabling Light Mode during the daytime and Dark Mode for night use would be ideal for most users.
