A clock small enough to fit
Apple has introduced a compact clock option in iOS 27. It reduces the time display to the same size as the date. It positions it at the top of the Lock Screen. The new layout means your wallpaper can be seen in full. It is not obscured by the time. Especially useful if you want to show an entire photo.
To activate the compact clock, open the Lock Screen customization menu by pressing and holding the screen. Tap on the current clock frame and select the two-bar icon at the top-right to switch to compact mode. The change takes effect instantly, so you can see how it looks against your wallpaper before saving.
Your existing clock customizations like font, weight, and color remain intact in compact mode. But you lose the Liquid Glass effect. The compact clock is also not a global setting. You can apply it to individual Lock Screens. Such as the Focus mode. While keeping a full-sized clock on other screens.
Coming in September
iOS 27 is currently in public beta with Apple expected to release it in September. The update brings a more flexible Lock Screen experience, catering to users who want more of their wallpaper to show on a daily basis.