iPhone’s Lock Screen Will Display Animated Artwork from Third-Party Music Apps With iOS 26: Report

Apple previewed iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 as the subsequent iteration of the iPhone working system (OS) and showcased a number of of its notable capabilities. One function which the corporate didn’t actively promote however is making its strategy to the iPhone is assist for animated paintings on the lock display screen. At current, solely albums taking part in via Apple Music can show paintings on the iPhone’s lock display screen, however with the anticipated iOS 26 replace, third-party music streaming apps might be able to profit from it too.

Animated Artwork on iPhone Lock Screen

According to a 9to5Mac report, Apple’s iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 replace introduces a brand new API referred to as MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork. It is supposed for displaying an animated picture, corresponding to an animated music album or cowl artwork for a media file. Apple says this animated paintings includes two belongings — paintings video asset and a preview picture matching the primary body of the paintings.

The MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork API lets an app with a presently taking part in observe present the system with an animated video clip that may be displayed on the lock display screen. Further, the preview picture will likely be used as a placeholder while the video file is fetched and turns into accessible.

As per the corporate, the preview file in addition to the animated paintings video will solely be required on the level of show and will be fetched individually. This API goals to supply preview photos as shortly as potential as soon as requested by the music streaming app, in sync with the video file.

While official particulars in regards to the apps supporting this function stay underneath wraps, the report means that Spotify, one of many largest alternate options to Apple Music, could make the most of it. Apple has made it accessible within the developer SDK following the discharge of the iOS 16 Developer Beta 1 replace. This means third-party app builders can combine assist for the API of their apps.

In addition to music streaming apps, the report states that audiobooks and podcasts will even be capable of present video paintings on the iPhone’s lock display screen leveraging the brand new API, if accessible.