Sonos Brings Back iPhone Lock Screen Controls
Sonos reintroduces lock screen controls for iPhone users through Apple's Live Activities system after a hiatus.
The update
Sonos released an app update that brings speaker controls to the iPhone lock screen through Apple’s Live Activities system. The company describes this as a “much requested, anticipated and needed feature.” Once enabled, users can see what’s playing and adjust volume or switch songs, but only after unlocking their phone via Face ID or passcode. The live activity disappears from the lock screen 15 minutes after playback stops. The integration doesn’t currently display album art, though Sonos is exploring “alternative ways to enhance” the experience. While the feature works on CarPlay and Apple Watch, controls aren’t supported on those platforms yet.
Why it matters
This marks the return of a feature Sonos previously offered but removed in 2023 when its integration method no longer aligned with Apple’s updated design framework. The return comes after Sonos addressed numerous concerns with its 2024 app redesign, suggesting the company is now prioritizing user experience improvements. This integration represents a deeper alignment between Sonos and Apple’s ecosystem, potentially setting a standard for other smart home audio brands to follow.
What to watch
Will Sonos add album art display to the lock screen in future updates? When might controls become available on Apple Watch and CarPlay? How will competitors respond to this integration? Will this lead to additional Apple-Sonos partnerships?
Sources
- engadget.com — Details about the app update and feature limitations
- theverge.com — Information about the feature rollout and CEO comments
