● Covered by 3 sources · 3 reportsLow impact3 neutral
Sonos iOS App Adds Live Activities for Lock Screen Playback Controls
Key points
- Sonos iOS app now includes Live Activities.
- Live Activities provide Lock Screen playback controls.
- Feature activates after playback starts and app closes.
- Album art is not currently supported in Live Activities.
- Sonos announced the feature on Reddit.
- The feature is off by default.
- Users can enable the feature in settings.
- Live Activity disappears 15 minutes after playback stops.
- Live Activities work in CarPlay and on Apple Watch.
- CarPlay and Apple Watch only show what's playing, no controls.
Sonos Integrates Live Activities on iOS
Sonos has released an update for its iOS app, introducing support for Live Activities. This new functionality allows iPhone users to manage their Sonos playback directly from the Lock Screen, providing quick access to controls without needing to open the app.
The integration of Live Activities has been a frequently requested feature from Sonos users, especially following previous app redesigns that led to user feedback regarding feature availability.
How Live Activities Function
Once enabled, a Live Activity appears on the Lock Screen after playback begins and the Sonos app is closed. It displays the current room or group playing audio. The activity remains visible for 15 minutes after playback stops.
While the Live Activity is viewable on the Lock Screen, users must unlock their iPhone using Face ID or a Passcode to interact with the playback controls. This ensures device security while offering convenience.
Current Limitations and Future Considerations
Sonos has noted some current limitations with the Live Activities implementation. Album art is not yet included in the Lock Screen display, though the company is exploring ways to enhance the experience. Additionally, Live Activities will work in CarPlay and on Apple Watch, but playback controls are not currently supported in those environments.
Users who prefer not to use Live Activities can disable them within the app's settings. Playback controls initiated outside the Sonos app, such as via AirPlay or Bluetooth, remain supported.
Updates
- Live Activity disappears 15 minutes after playback stops.
- Live Activities work in CarPlay and on Apple Watch.
- CarPlay and Apple Watch only show what's playing, no controls.
- Sonos announced the feature on Reddit.
- The feature is off by default.
- Users can enable the feature in settings.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Sonos has released an app update that reintroduces speaker controls to the iPhone lock screen, utilizing Apple's Live Activities system. This update allows users to view what's playing, adjust volume, and switch songs after unlocking their device, addressing a feature that was previously removed.
Sonos updated its iOS app to include support for Live Activities, allowing iPhone users to access playback controls directly from their lock screen. This feature provides basic control over Sonos systems without fully unlocking the device, addressing a frequently requested user demand.
The Sonos app on iPhone now supports Live Activities, allowing users to control playback directly from the Lock Screen. This update addresses a long-requested feature, improving accessibility for Sonos users on iOS devices.