Instead of a static image, dynamic wallpapers change throughout the day, and many of them reflect the time of day. Unfortunately, the number of default dynamic wallpapers is relatively small, so you'll have to sort through third-party options to find more. Let's take a look at some of the best websites for downloading dynamic wallpapers for Mac and iPhone.
What is a dynamic background?
Before jumping into the article, let's talk about what a dynamic background is, which we can best describe by examining the three different types:
- used Geography-based backgrounds Your location will change the wallpaper's appearance based on the time of day. If it's winter, your wallpaper will take into account daylight saving time and display images from later in the day in the early evening.
- It is directed Dynamic backgrounds time-based It's set by your system clock and changes based on the amount of light available outside. Early morning and evening? Dark dynamic wallpaper. Midday? Light dynamic wallpaper.
- Depends Light and dark mode wallpapers Depending on whether your macOS or iOS system uses Light or Dark Mode settings.
How to switch to default dynamic wallpapers
These instructions apply to iPhone 6S and later models.
iPhone and iPad
- Go to “Settings -> Wallpaper -> Choose a new wallpaper.”
- Click on Dynamic (Top left) and choose one of the pre-installed dynamic options.
- Click on "hiring" On your chosen wallpaper choose whether you want to add it to the lock screen and home screen (set both), one or the other.
macOS Monterey
- tap on Apple logo At the top left of the menu bar, select "System Preferences".
- Locate “Desktop & Screensaver -> Apple -> Desktop Pictures.”
- Inside macOS Monterey, there should be a total of eight options. The first image (top left) is already downloaded, while the remaining seven wallpapers need to be installed.
1. 24 Hour Wallpaper (by Jetson Creative)
This app is both a macOS app and a website. Don't let the website and app confuse you—they both offer the same wallpapers with slightly different names.
in 24 Hour Wallpaper App For $9.99, you'll get 83 dynamic wallpapers, each containing 24-28 images, over a 36-hour period. If you want to skip the app, you can head over to Jetson Creative Choose from 32 wallpapers with 16 images, each in 5K resolution. For $1.29 each, you can pay securely with AutoPay or pick up all 32 desktops for the current sale price of $14.99.
Some great options include Joshua Tree, Malibu, Glacier National Park, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo, and more. Many images are available as fixed camera angles, providing a measure of control so you can choose whether you want a night or day scene. Whether you choose the app or the website, you'll find a great selection of dynamic wallpapers available for download.
Separately, Jetson Creative also includes: selection From dynamic wallpapers for iPhone and iPad. Only eight new wallpapers are available, with four others converted from previous macOS default wallpapers. This brings the total to 12 dynamic options.
2. Dynwalls
If you've spent any time searching for dynamic wallpapers, you might be Dynwalls One of the first wallpapers you'll find on macOS. The site features six free dynamic wallpapers for you to use, ranging from images of space to cities on Earth.
The site's creator has a Patreon account, which they say will allow them to create more wallpapers. If you like what you see on the site, you should consider contributing.
3. Dynamic Wallpaper Club
Dynamic Wallpaper Club is a unique collection of dynamic wallpapers. Since these images are user-uploaded, you can expect the artist's unique touch to each image.
You will have to Search a little in the gallery But you'll have a wide range of options for your Mac, ranging from real-world photography to video game artists' interpretations, cityscapes, animals, and more. Of all the dynamic wallpaper sites on this list, Dynamic Wallpaper Club probably has the most unique options if you're looking for something outside the usual selection.
4. GenoApps
With only two images available for download, GenoApps is certainly not the most powerful resource on this list. However, if you're looking for space shots of Earth to add to your Mac, you can't do much better.
Via Two Earth satellite displays Both sets of wallpapers are based on the US Pacific Sync, so trying to use them anywhere else in the world may be disappointing. However, if you must have a beautiful image of planet Earth, the two available images are more than sufficient.
5. BenVessey
iPhone owners looking for truly unique dynamic wallpapers should look no further than BenVessey.comNot only are these wallpapers dynamic in that they change based on the time of day, but they're also designed to tell you just how full your iPhone's battery is.
With Shortcuts Automation, your iPhone's Lock screen becomes a giant battery indicator. Three complete sets of dynamic wallpapers in four different packs are available for around four dollars.
6. ITnext
The last site on this list only has one wallpaper available, but thankfully, it's a very good one. This comes from a series of articles describing how Apple's dynamic wallpapers work.
Appear macOS wallpaper This is a unique view of Earth, starting in darkness, moving through light, and back to darkness. Yes, it's another view of Earth from space, but it's stunning enough that it's definitely worth adding to your collection.
Create your own dynamic wallpaper
The websites above will give you plenty of dynamic wallpapers to download, but what if they aren't right for you? If so, it's very easy to make your own. All you need is An app called Dynaper.
The app lets you drag and drop photos to create wallpapers in the HEIC format used by Apple for dynamic wallpapers. It will use either the dates and times in the file names or the EXIF data of the photos to automatically suggest which photos should be set to which times of day.
You don't have to pay a penny for the app, but it will add a watermark unless you purchase it. Removing the watermark costs $12, but you can easily use the free version to create wallpapers until you have something you're confident you'll be happy with.
For anyone who likes to change their wallpaper and keep things fresh, Mac dynamic wallpapers add a new level of desktop customization. However, if you prefer a live wallpaper instead, try this method.Set an animated GIF as wallpaper on your Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between live and dynamic wallpaper on iOS and iPad?
answer. live wallpaper Like a live wallpaper. Touch your screen and it will move. The dynamic wallpaper animates on the Lock screen and also on a springboard behind the iPhone or iPad icons.
Q2. Can you make me download apps with dynamic wallpapers?
answer. Yes, there are a lot of Third Party Applications Available for download in the App Store. Some already have dynamic wallpapers, while others are simply live wallpapers with dynamic options.
Q3. Will dynamic wallpapers affect macOS or iOS battery life?
answer. Any animation can impact battery life on both macOS and iOS. These animations are unlikely to cause significant battery drain, but any additional work your phone or computer must do will take a toll on battery life.
Conclusion
Dynamic wallpapers still aren't for everyone. Most people aren't as particular about their wallpaper choices as those who might want to use something dynamic. However, if you fall into the latter camp and enjoy something that changes with light or dark mode or the time of day, there are enough options out there to ensure you have something new from time to time.
