The Dynamic Island has quickly become one of the standout features on the iPhone—and with Android likely to adopt a similar feature soon, it's more relevant than ever. Whether you’re new to Dynamic Island or looking to get more from it, this guide covers everything you need, from basics to hidden gems.
How to Enable Dynamic Island
Surprisingly, many users find that Dynamic Island isn’t enabled by default. Here’s how to activate it:
- Go to Settings.
- Select the App you want to use with Dynamic Island.
- Enable the Live Activities toggle.
This toggle allows apps to utilise Dynamic Island effectively.
Getting Started: Music Apps
Dynamic Island excels with music apps:
- Open your preferred music app (Apple Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts).
- Start playing music and swipe up from the bottom to return home.
- The music player shrinks neatly into Dynamic Island, displaying album art and a vibrant waveform.
- Tap once to reopen the app.
- Tap and hold for quick controls (play, pause, favourite).
To dismiss it, simply swipe left or right within Dynamic Island.
Practical Uses and Tips
Timers
Timers are among the most useful applications of Dynamic Island. Set a timer, swipe up, and see the countdown right on your lock screen or within Dynamic Island itself.
Parking Apps
Some parking apps display countdowns directly on Dynamic Island, allowing you to easily monitor your parking time and even extend remotely if supported.
Screen Recording
When screen recording, Dynamic Island provides quick access to pause or stop recording—a feature many users don't even realise exists!
AirPlay & AirPods Integration
Dynamic Island quietly offers seamless integration:
- Automatically prompts connection to nearby AirPlay-compatible speakers.
- Shows AirPods battery status upon opening the case.
Flashlight Control
Adjust flashlight brightness (up/down) and beam width (left/right) directly from Dynamic Island. Your settings persist for next time!
Navigation and Public Transport
Dynamic Island also supports navigation apps, displaying concise directions. Google Maps offers detailed public transport information, including bus arrival updates.
Phone Calls and FaceID
- Phone calls display neatly, showing duration and voice waveform.
- FaceID animations run through Dynamic Island, providing visual confirmation.
Essential Third-Party Apps
Dynamic Island isn’t limited to Apple apps. Here are some exceptional third-party integrations:
Shuggah (Health)
- Displays real-time blood glucose levels—a must-have for diabetics using glucose monitors.
Flighty & Planefinder (Travel)
- Flighty shows flight information (gate, delays, seat number) in Dynamic Island, providing real-time flight updates.
- Planefinder tracks flights and aerial displays, keeping you informed about real-time aviation events.
Hevy (Fitness)
- Provides countdown timers between workout sets, perfect for gym-goers.
Uber/Lyft (Transport)
- Dynamic Island displays ETA and journey progress—perfect for ride-sharing.
Carrot Weather (Weather)
- Gives precise rain forecasts directly in Dynamic Island, invaluable for quick weather checks.
Shelf (Customisation)
- Customise Dynamic Island with quick shortcuts, daily affirmations, and even photos or emojis.
Fun Extras
Looking for entertainment? Here are a couple of fun apps:
- Hit the Island: Play pong against the Dynamic Island itself.
- Pixel Pals: Adopt and care for a virtual pet living within your Dynamic Island.
Dynamic Island combines practicality, integration, and fun, making it a standout iPhone feature. Hopefully, this guide helps you unlock its full potential. Let us know your favorite Dynamic Island apps and features in the comments below!
