Sonos brings iPhone Live Activities to lock screen after leadership shakeup
The audio company introduces long-requested lock screen controls as part of a broader effort to regain user trust following a disastrous app redesign.
Sonos has released an update to its iOS app that introduces support for Apple's Live Activities. The move brings essential playback information and controls to the iPhone lock screen, addressing a long-standing usability gap for the company's mobile users.
Live Activities appear on the lock screen once playback is initiated and the app is closed, displaying the current room or group. While the feature provides immediate visibility, security restrictions remain: users must unlock their iPhone using Face ID or a passcode before they can execute any playback changes. Additionally, the Live Activity is programmed to disappear 15 minutes after playback stops. For users who prefer a cleaner lock screen, the feature can be disabled within the app's settings.
A Path Toward Recovery
This update arrives during a period of significant instability for the audio giant. In 2024, Sonos launched a widely criticized app redesign that alienated a large portion of its user base. The fallout from the redesign contributed to a leadership shakeup in 2025, which saw CEO Patrick Spence depart the company. Since then, Sonos has focused on a recovery strategy centered on re-implementing highly requested features to win back consumer confidence. In a Reddit post, Sonos described the addition of Live Activities as a "much requested, anticipated, and needed feature."
Industry Implications
For years, the lack of intuitive lock screen controls was a primary pain point for Sonos iOS users, who often had to fully open the app to make simple adjustments. By integrating Live Activities, Sonos is aligning its user experience with modern iOS standards. However, the current implementation suggests an iterative approach. The absence of album art in the lock screen widget and the lack of playback controls for the Apple Watch and CarPlay versions of the feature indicate that the company is rolling out capabilities in stages.
What to Watch
While the current update solves a major friction point, the company's ability to fully restore its reputation depends on the consistency of these improvements. Users will be watching to see if Sonos expands playback controls to CarPlay and Apple Watch, and whether visual enhancements like album art are added to the lock screen experience. For now, the update serves as a concrete signal that the company is prioritizing user feedback over the controversial design directions of its previous leadership.