Apple is expected to be generally available in the autumn of this year iOS 26 With the version, the lock screen is working on an innovation that will make the experience of listening to music visually more dynamic. The new system, which is tested in the developer version, brings the album cover of the playing part to the iPhone’s lock screen in the applications that start with Apple Music. While listening to music, the entire screen is covered with the animated version of the album cover. Playing controls are offered at the bottom of the screen on a translucent and glass -like panel.
This visual innovation will not only be limited to Apple Music. Apple offers to developers Mpmediatemanimatedartwork It also opens this function to third -party applications through a new API. The API allows a short video or animation of the playing media to be shown in the system interface. In this way, not only music applications, but also Podcast or audio book -based applications will be able to use this feature. It is stated that the final version of iOS 26 should be released in the developer kit’s developer kit, but the final version of iOS 26 to be used in applications in the App Store.
Apple’s move reveals the intention of spreading visually enriched media experience to a wide range of applications. However, it still remains unclear whether this ability will adopt by practices. Especially Apple Music’s biggest rival SpotifyIn the past, it is known for its distance approach to platform integrations such as AirPlay 2 and HomePod. The attitude of the company, which does not declare an intention to this new API, may be different this time.
Third -party applications such as Spotify will also be able to use this feature.
The first experiences on how the new system works in the default interface of the iOS is limited to the content provided through Apple Music. The visuals on the album cover of the song are shown as a full screen if it supports. The sound control panel that comes immediately after this has a aesthetically new design. In the documentation prepared for developers, API also supports functions such as being able to show a fixed visual during loading. Thus, it is possible to show a fixed album cover until the animated content arrives.
This feature is not only a visual improvement, but also in terms of content presentation. Parallel to the stolen content of album covers or visual materials can create a new form of expression, especially for applications that produce voice content. Apple has shared technical details about how to use this API in the developer sources. However, in order to spread this function, application developers will have to adopt this new system.