Apple Music on iOS 26: Enhanced Lock Screen with Motion, Color, and Depth Features

Apple’s latest update, iOS 26, introduces an exciting feature that transforms album covers into captivating full-screen animations that move as your music plays. Apple Music users can simply tap the album art on their Lock Screen to expand the image, triggering animated artwork to come to life in real-time if available. This update keeps playback controls easily accessible, now floating transparently over the animated artwork, creating a seamless viewing experience. Part of Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, which enhances depth and motion across the system, iOS 26 aims to make the interface feel more dynamic and responsive, moving away from a flat, grid-like appearance.

Introduced at WWDC 2025, Liquid Glass enhances the overall aesthetic, making it feel less rigid and more interactive. While this may not seem like a groundbreaking change, it could encourage users to engage with their devices in new ways. The feature is present not only in music playback but also across the Control Center, widgets, and background panels. Animated album art was first rolled out in the iOS 26 developer beta on June 10, with a public beta expected in July and a full release planned for later in 2025.

For those interested, the animated artwork feature requires an iPhone powered by an A13 Bionic chip or newer, meaning iPhone 11 and subsequent models are compatible. Currently, only Apple Music is utilizing this feature, while apps like Spotify and Tidal still display static images. However, Apple has released APIs that could allow for broader integration in the future, pending developer interest. The Lock Screen has always hosted music controls, but iOS 26 treats these elements as integral to the experience rather than mere overlays.

This update signifies a shift in how music feels on the iPhone, turning the Lock Screen into a more immersive experience rather than just a pause between tasks. While this may not drastically alter day-to-day usage, it enhances the atmosphere during quiet moments when music takes center stage. Users might have concerns about battery life, but Apple has not clarified if the animations can be disabled, hinting that a toggle may be forthcoming. Overall, animated album art refreshes not just the look but the ambiance of listening to music, marking a significant evolution in user interaction.