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When you open the alarm settings on your iPhone, it appears as though you’re navigating through a classic spinning wheel of hours and minutes. However, this is an illusion. The wheels are not actually endless; they are simply a long list that reaches its end. If you scroll fast through the hours and minutes, you’ll hit the limit.
#### This Clever Illusion Shows How Apple Disguises a Simple List as a Wheel
Apple cleverly designs the Clock app to make it seem like an infinite wheel by presenting a long sequence of values for hours and minutes in a repeating pattern. The result is that if you scroll far enough, you’ll reach 4:39 or 16:39 (in 24-hour format). This limit indicates that what appears to be a seamless circle is actually a carefully disguised list.
#### A UX Trick
This is a classic user experience (UX) trick where Apple uses a long list and smart framing to create the illusion of an infinite scroll without requiring a complex circular interface. Even though it’s technically limited, the design makes it appear smooth and intuitive. Some Reddit users have turned this into a game, trying to see how far they can swipe before hitting the end.
For example, one user commented, “I got 6.4 seconds before I hit the end.” Another confirmed, “It stops at 16:39 for me too.”
#### Upcoming iOS 26
Apple is planning to release iOS 26 in a few months and may introduce an infinite scroll wheel feature. The company will also announce the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9 during its ‘Awe Dropping’ event, where new Apple Watch models and AirPods Pro 3 will also be showcased.
#### Stay Tuned
For comprehensive coverage of this event, stay tuned for in-depth analysis. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
