Sonos iOS App Update Adds Lock Screen Controls

Sonos has released an update to its iPhone application, introducing long-requested support for iOS Live Activities. The new feature allows users to view and control playback directly from the lock screen without needing to open the full app. Sonos announced the update in a post to its community forum on Reddit, marking the return of quick access to speaker controls that users had previously lacked.

The Live Activity widget activates automatically after music or podcast playback begins. It displays the name of the room or speaker group where audio is currently playing, along with the title of the track or media. Within the widget, users can perform essential controls, including playing or pausing, skipping tracks, and adjusting volume levels. If playback stops, the Live Activity will automatically disappear from the lock screen after 15 minutes of inactivity. To make any adjustments, the user must unlock their iPhone with Face ID or a passcode.

This functionality represents a significant interface improvement, particularly for users who rely on Sonos throughout the day. It enables at-a-glance status visibility while multitasking. However, the feature is not enabled by default....