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iOS 26 to Feature Animated Lock Screen Art, Opening API to Third-Party Apps
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The upcoming iOS 26 update will bring animated album art to the iPhone lock screen and allow third-party apps to utilize the feature.
By Alice Davidson | CUPERTINO – 2025/06/15 15:09:00
A visual update in iOS 26 will change the iPhone lock screen when playing music. Album art can be animated and displayed full-screen, with playback controls appearing on a liquid glass-like surface.
The feature is currently available on Apple Music. Users can play a song with animated album art and then lock their phone to see the effect. Apple is also extending this capability to third-party music streaming apps like Spotify through an API.
The new MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork API is currently available in the developer SDK. Apps can now provide an animated video clip to be displayed on the lock screen, along with placeholder artwork while the video loads.
The public release of iOS 26 will be required for third-party apps to use the new API and display animated art on the lock screen.
Spotify’s Potential Adoption
It is currently unknown whether Spotify, Apple Music’s main competitor, will use the new API. Despite criticizing Apple for gatekeeping, Spotify has been hesitant to adopt platform features like AirPlay 2 and native HomePod integration.
“Users will have to wait until the public release of iOS 26 for third-party apps in the App Store to be able to use this new API and show full-bleed animated art on the lock screen.”
While the primary focus is music, the API can theoretically be used by other audio apps like audiobook or podcast players to display video artwork.
the developer beta for iOS 26 is available now, with a public release planned for the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Spotify adopt the new animated artwork API?
- It is currently unconfirmed whether Spotify will utilize the new API in iOS 26.
- Can other audio apps use this API?
- Yes, in theory, apps like audiobook and podcast players could use the API to display video artwork.
- When will iOS 26 be released?
- iOS 26 is expected to be released to the public in the fall.
