What is Dynamic Island?

Dynamic Island is one of the most innovative design choices Apple has made in years. Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models and now available on all newer iPhone models, this feature turns the notch from a static element into an interactive hub for notifications and activities. Instead of hiding the camera cutout, Apple has transformed it into a dynamic multitasking element.

The name "Dynamic Island" refers to how this pill-shaped area at the top of your screen adapts and changes based on what you are doing. It expands, shrinks and shows relevant information without interrupting your current app. This article teaches you how to get the most out of this revolutionary feature.

How Dynamic Island works

Dynamic Island combines hardware and software in a unique way. The black area around the selfie camera and Face ID sensors serves as a canvas for animations and information.

Expanding and shrinking

When an activity starts, such as playing music, the Island expands to show relevant controls. As soon as you have seen the information or taken the action, it shrinks back to its compact shape. This behavior is fully automatic and adapts to the context.

Multiple activities at once

One of the most powerful aspects of Dynamic Island is its ability to show multiple background activities at the same time. The Island then splits into two parts: the main activity stays in the pill-shaped area, while a second activity appears as a separate bubble. This way you can keep track of your music and a timer at the same time.

Supported features and apps

Dynamic Island works with many built-in Apple features and a growing number of third-party apps. Here is an overview of what you can expect.

Music and audio

When you play music through Apple Music, Spotify or other audio apps, Dynamic Island shows the album art and an audio visualization. Tap it to see expanded controls such as play, pause, and skip forward or back. Pressing and holding shows the full Now Playing panel.

Phone calls and FaceTime

During a call, the Island shows the call duration and the name or photo of the caller. You can tap the Island directly to go back to the call screen. For an incoming call, the Island animates to get your attention without taking over the whole screen.

When you use Apple Maps or Google Maps for navigation, Dynamic Island shows your next turn and the distance to it. This is especially handy because you can follow directions while using another app, such as checking your messages while waiting at a traffic light.

Timers and stopwatch

The Timer app integrates seamlessly with Dynamic Island. A running timer is shown compactly with the time remaining. Tap to pause or stop the timer. You can even keep track of multiple timers at once, ideal for cooking or working out.

Interacting with Dynamic Island

There are several ways to interact with Dynamic Island, each with a different result.

Tapping

A single tap on Dynamic Island opens the associated app or takes you to the related feature. For music you go to the Now Playing view, for a timer to the Timer app, and for navigation to the full map view.

Pressing and holding

Pressing and holding expands Dynamic Island into a larger view with more controls and information. This is useful when you want to adjust something quickly without opening the full app. For music, for example, you see the full track controls and can adjust the volume.

Swiping

For some activities you can swipe on the Island for extra interaction. During music playback, for example, you can swipe left or right to switch between songs. These gestures allow quick actions without tapping.

Third-party apps that support Dynamic Island

More and more app developers are building Dynamic Island support into their apps. Here are some popular examples.

Sports and live scores

Apps such as FotMob, ESPN and various sports apps show live scores in Dynamic Island. Follow your favorite soccer match while you do other things on your phone. When a goal is scored, the Island animates to alert you.

Delivery and transportation

Uber, Lyft and delivery apps such as Deliveroo use Dynamic Island to show you the status of your order or ride. You can see when your driver is almost there or how far away your food is, all without opening the app.

Workout apps

Fitness apps such as Strava and Nike Run Club show your workout stats in Dynamic Island. Check your heart rate, pace or distance covered without interrupting your workout by switching apps.

Setting up and managing Live Activities

Dynamic Island uses an iOS feature called Live Activities. Here you will learn how to manage it.

Turning on Live Activities

Go to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode. Scroll down and make sure "Live Activities" is turned on. This must be on to use Dynamic Island features, even on the Lock Screen.

Per-app management

You can decide for each app separately whether it may use Live Activities. Go to Settings, select the specific app and look for the Live Activities option. Turn it off for apps whose Dynamic Island notifications you do not want to see.

Managing multiple activities

When you have multiple background activities, Dynamic Island shows up to two at a time. The rest remain available in the background. Tap the small bubble to switch between activities, or press and hold to see both.

Tips for getting the most out of it

These tips help you get the most out of Dynamic Island.

Use it for multitasking

Dynamic Island shines when you do several things at once. Start a timer while you cook and look at a recipe, or follow your workout stats while you pick music. The Island keeps track of everything without you having to switch apps.

Learn the gestures

Invest time in learning the different interactions. The difference between tapping and pressing and holding is significant. Tapping navigates to the app, while pressing and holding shows expanded controls right there. Both are useful in different situations.

Check app support

Not all apps support Dynamic Island. Check in the App Store whether your favorite apps support Live Activities. Updates regularly add new support, so keep your apps up to date for the best experience.

Dynamic Island represents a new way of thinking about how we interact with our phones. Instead of constantly switching between apps, the Island brings relevant information to the foreground exactly when you need it. It is a subtle but significant improvement in the everyday iPhone experience that you will probably appreciate more and more as you use it.

Frequently asked questions

Which iPhones have Dynamic Island?

Dynamic Island was introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Since then it has been available on all newer iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 series and later, whether or not it is a Pro model.

Can I turn off Dynamic Island?

You cannot turn off Dynamic Island completely, but you can turn off Live Activities, which limits its dynamic features. Go to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and turn off Live Activities.

Why doesn't Dynamic Island show some apps?

Not all apps support Dynamic Island. The app developer has to implement Live Activities specifically. Check whether your app is up to date and whether the developer supports this feature. Built-in Apple apps always work with Dynamic Island.

Does Dynamic Island use extra battery?

Dynamic Island has minimal impact on battery life. The OLED display uses little power to show the small animations and information. The background activities that the Island drives may use extra power, but this is comparable to normal app activity.

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