Dynamic Island is the pill-shaped area at the top of supported iPhone screens. It expands and changes shape to show live activity from apps, such as music, timers, calls, directions, deliveries, and sports scores.
Dynamic Island is available on iPhone 14 Pro models, iPhone 15 models, iPhone 16 models, and later supported devices.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you see the top cutout changing and want to know how to open, expand, or control what it is showing.
Interact with Dynamic Island
- Start an activity that supports it, such as music playback, a timer, a call, navigation, or a supported Live Activity.
- Look at the top of the screen for the Dynamic Island activity.
- Tap it to open the related app.
- Touch and hold it to expand controls or details.
- If two activities are active, tap or hold the side you want to expand.
When no supported activity is running, Dynamic Island returns to the normal pill shape.
Common Uses
- Timers can stay visible while you use other apps.
- Phone calls show call status and duration when you leave the call screen.
- Maps can show turn information while you are outside the Maps app.
- Music, podcasts, and audiobooks can show playback status and controls.
- AirPods connection changes may briefly animate there.
Dynamic Island Notes
App Support
Apps need Live Activities support to appear in Dynamic Island. Popular delivery, rideshare, sports, and media apps often support it, but not every app does.
Lock Screen Activity
Many Live Activities that appear in Dynamic Island also show as Lock Screen widgets while the iPhone is locked.
No Full Disable Switch
The hardware shape itself cannot be turned off. If one app’s activity is annoying, stop the activity in that app or close the app if appropriate.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Dynamic Island on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Live Activities on iPhone
- Apple Support: Play music, podcasts, and audiobooks on iPhone