Apple previewed iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 as the following iteration of the iPhone working system (OS) and showcased a number of of its notable capabilities. One characteristic which the corporate didn’t actively promote however is making its strategy to the iPhone is assist for animated art work on the lock display. At current, solely albums enjoying by Apple Music can show art work on the iPhone’s lock display, however with the anticipated iOS 26 replace, third-party music streaming apps could possibly profit from it too.
Animated Paintings on iPhone Lock Display screen
Based on a 9to5Mac report, Apple’s iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 replace introduces a brand new API known as MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork. It’s meant for displaying an animated picture, akin to an animated music album or cowl artwork for a media file. Apple says this animated art work includes two belongings — art work video asset and a preview picture matching the primary body of the art work.
The MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork API lets an app with a presently enjoying monitor present the system with an animated video clip that may be displayed on the lock display. Additional, the preview picture will probably be used as a placeholder while the video file is fetched and turns into out there.
As per the corporate, the preview file in addition to the animated art work video will solely be required on the level of show and may be fetched individually. This API goals to supply preview photographs as rapidly as potential as soon as requested by the music streaming app, in sync with the video file.
Whereas official particulars concerning the apps supporting this characteristic stay beneath wraps, the report means that Spotify, one of many largest alternate options to Apple Music, could benefit from it. Apple has made it out there within the developer SDK following the discharge of the iOS 16 Developer Beta 1 replace. This implies third-party app builders can combine assist for the API of their apps.
Along with music streaming apps, the report states that audiobooks and podcasts may also be capable to present video art work on the iPhone’s lock display leveraging the brand new API, if out there.
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