Starting with iOS 26, Apple has introduced notable changes to several of its most popular apps. Some are subtle, like the Easter egg in the Mail app, while others are more obvious, like the elegant redesign that can be seen on the lock screen when playing music. And it’s not exclusive to Apple Music.
The music listening experience on the iPhone is about to take a major visual leap. The lock screen will no longer be a static backdrop for album art while our music plays. Instead, it will transform into a dynamic canvas, with the potential to revolutionize the interface of any music app.
iOS 26’s dynamic lock screen feature won’t be exclusive to Apple Music.
Album artwork will no longer be limited to a still image; it can now be animated and fill the entire iPhone screen. Playback controls will be subtly overlaid on a liquid crystal surface, creating an immersive visual experience that accompanies the current soundtrack.
This feature, already visible in Apple Music with animated covers, allows users to play a song and, upon locking their phone, see the artwork come to life, transforming the screen into a vibrant visual complement.
But the real news isn’t just what Apple has done for its own app. The company is extending this capability to third-party developers through a new MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork API, or Application Programming Interface.
This means that any app that plays media can provide an animated video clip to the system, which will then be displayed on the user’s lock screen. Additionally, the API allows for temporary artwork to be included while the animated video is loading, ensuring a smooth, seamless transition.
In addition to being used by music streaming apps like Spotify or YouTube Music, it will theoretically be useful for other audio apps like audiobooks or podcasts, which could display video covers or animations relevant to their content.
While third-party adoption will depend on each developer, the potential for a more vibrant and personalized lock screen is now within reach, promising a future where music is not only heard but also seen in a whole new way.
