iOS 26: Third-Party Apps like Spotify Access New Apple Music Features

Key Takeaways

1. iOS 26 introduces animated artwork on the lock screen when playing songs through Apple Music and third-party apps.
2. The feature is currently in beta and still under development by Apple.
3. The new API, MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork, enables the animated visuals.
4. Animated artwork requires both a video asset and a preview image for display.
5. iOS 26 includes other enhancements like a Liquid Glass UI, a revamped Dynamic Clock, and built-in generative AI features.

The new update iOS 26 brings an exciting feature that adds animated artwork to the lock screen when a song is played through Apple Music. It is noteworthy that this functionality will also be available for third-party music streaming apps, not just exclusive to Apple Music.

Development Status

Currently, this feature is still being developed by Apple and is available in beta. There’s no guarantee that popular streaming services like Spotify, YouTube Music, Prime Music, Deezer, and Tidal will implement this feature, but the prospects seem quite promising.

Technical Details

The new API, called MPMediaItemAnimatedArtwork, is responsible for showing these animated visuals. To make this work, two important elements are required: an animated video asset for the artwork and a preview image that represents the first frame. As the video loads, the preview image will serve as a temporary substitute.

Other Features

iOS 26 is packed with a variety of new features and enhancements in visual experience, including a fresh Liquid Glass UI, a revamped Dynamic Clock, and effects that create a three-dimensional feel. Additionally, it introduces built-in generative AI among other advancements.

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