Sonos brings Live Activities to iPhone users
▼ Summary
– Sonos has launched Live Activities in its iOS app, a long-requested feature that adds Lock Screen playback controls after users start playback and close the app.
– The Live Activity displays the last active room or group, disappears 15 minutes after playback stops, and requires Face ID or Passcode unlock before making changes.
– Users can disable Live Activities in app settings; album art is not currently supported, but alternative Lock Screen enhancements are being explored.
– Live Activities work in CarPlay and Apple Watch but with limited functionality, as playback controls are not yet supported there.
– Playback controls remain available when initiating playback from outside the Sonos app, such as via AirPlay, Bluetooth, or supported services.
iPhone users running the latest Sonos app update are finally getting a feature that has topped wish lists for years. Live Activities for the Sonos app have officially rolled out, bringing convenient playback controls directly to the Lock Screen.
This launch marks another step in Sonos’s long road to rebuilding trust with its customer base. The company has spent the better part of two years recovering from a controversial app redesign that frustrated millions of users and ultimately led to the departure of its CEO. Since then, the audio hardware maker has methodically restored and improved features that were either removed or long overdue. Live Activities support is one of the most significant additions yet.
Here is how the new functionality works. Once you enable the setting and start playing audio, the Live Activity appears on your Lock Screen after you leave the app. It displays the room or group where audio was last playing. When you pause or stop the music, the widget lingers for 15 minutes before disappearing. One important security detail: while the activity is visible on the Lock Screen, you must authenticate with Face ID or a Passcode before you can actually adjust playback from that view.
The feature was first reported to be in development back in February by Bloomberg, so its arrival today comes as a welcome confirmation for eager users.
For those who prefer a cleaner Lock Screen, the Live Activity can be toggled off entirely in the app’s settings. Sonos also shared a few additional caveats worth knowing. Album artwork is not currently supported within the Live Activity, though the company says it is exploring alternative ways to enrich the Lock Screen experience. The feature also extends to CarPlay and Apple Watch, but the controls are not yet functional in those environments. Playback controls remain fully supported when you start audio from outside the Sonos ecosystem, including through AirPlay, Bluetooth, or other integrated services.
For anyone looking to expand their setup, the Sonos Move 2 is currently discounted by $100 on Amazon.
Are you excited about Sonos Live Activities support on iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
