The Dynamic Island feature on iPhones has transformed the way users interact with apps, effectively turning the display cutout into a useful, interactive space. Whether it’s for boosting productivity, enhancing entertainment, or tracking your activities, apps designed to work with Dynamic Island offer a unique and engaging experience. Here’s a list of some of the best apps to help you get the most out of Dynamic Island on your iPhone.
Key takeaways- Dynamic Island is the pill-shaped cutout on recent iPhones (iPhone 16, 15, and 14 Pro models) that replaced the notch.
- It displays real-time alerts, notifications, and Live Activities from both native and third-party apps like Spotify, Uber, ChatGPT, DoorDash, Flighty, etc.
- You can even enjoy games specifically designed to interact with the Dynamic Island.
Flighty - Live Flight Tracker
For those who travel frequently, Flighty is indispensable. It provides real-time flight updates directly on the Dynamic Island and as Lock Screen widgets. Users can stay informed about gate changes, delays, cancellations, and arrival times without needing to unlock their devices.
Pros
- No ads in the free version.
- Provides real-time flight tracking.
- Offers comprehensive details and stats.
Cons
- Continuous updates might impact battery life during extended travel.
Pricing: Offers a free version with Pro access starting at $3.99.
Structured - Daily Planner
The Structured daily planner app transforms Dynamic Island into a personal assistant. Users receive quick reminders, task updates, and schedule insights without opening the application. It provides Live Activities, interactive widgets, and a dedicated focus mode along with to-do lists.
Pros
- Offers intuitive task management.
- Provides real-time updates via Dynamic Island.
- Has a clean and organized interface.
Cons
- Beginners may need time to fully explore and effectively use the app.
- Calendar integration and AI features require a subscription.
Pricing: Offers a limited free version, with premium access starting at $2.99.
Pixel Pals Widget Pet Game – Get a Cute Pet on the Notch
Pixel Pals brings virtual pets to life on Dynamic Island. Users can choose from a selection of cute animals that live and interact directly on the Island. The pixelated art style has a nostalgic feel and looks great.
Every time you unlock your iPhone or switch apps, you’ll see your digital companion performing different actions. You can also feed and play with your pet to keep it happy and thriving. The app also provides Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets, plus unique customizations for Live Activities using Dynamic Island.
Pros
- Offers unique animations.
- Features a minimalistic and nostalgic design.
- Provides engaging interactions.
Cons
- It may drain the battery faster.
- Some features are locked behind in-app purchases.
Pricing: Offers a limited free version, with premium access starting at $0.99.
Hit The Island－Fun Arcade Game
This app presents a reverse take on the “Don’t Hit the Island” game, challenging you to aim at Dynamic Island. You score points each time your ball hits the cutout. The game includes challenging levels and power-ups to make it more exciting.
The game interface and elements are customizable, and you can set multiple backgrounds. The app also offers daily prizes for encouragement. There’s even a Santa mode for a winter theme.
Pros
- Engaging and fast-paced.
- Creative use of Dynamic Island mechanics.
- Offers customization options.
Cons
- It can become repetitive over time.
- Contains many ads.
Pricing: Offers a free version, with in-app purchases starting at $1.99.
Wallpapers for Dynamic Island – Decorate with Your Style
This app offers over 100 wallpapers designed to complement Dynamic Island, helping to blend it seamlessly into your iPhone’s aesthetic.
Users can choose favorite colors and minimalist designs for a cleaner look and creative Lock Screen wallpapers.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of creative, manually designed wallpapers.
- Features themes tailored for Dynamic Island.
- Has a user-friendly interface.
Cons
- Offers limited free options.
- Requires regular updates for fresh designs.
Pricing: Offers a limited free version, with premium access starting at $4.99.
Steps - Activity Tracker
Steps is a running app for iPhone that integrates seamlessly with Dynamic Island to show your step count in real-time. It functions as a pedometer and activity tracker, allowing you to monitor steps taken, distance covered, and calories burned.
The app also lets you set a goal. As you walk, the colors change to reflect your progress.
Pros
- Provides real-time step updates using Dynamic Island.
- Features a simple interface with detailed insights.
- Integrates with Apple Health.
Cons
- It might impact battery life.
- Some advanced options may require a subscription.
Pricing: Offers a limited free version with Pro upgrade available at $3.99.
Sports Alerts – Stay Updated on Your Favorite Teams
For sports enthusiasts, the Sports Alerts app keeps you up-to-date with live scores, updates, and game stats for your favorite teams. Its Dynamic Island integration ensures you never miss a moment.
You can set various widgets to track entire leagues or individual teams in addition to using Live Activities. All notifications are saved within the app for later review.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of sports.
- Provides real-time score updates.
- Offers customizable alerts for teams and games.
Cons
- Without customization, the volume of alerts can be overwhelming.
- Contains frequent ads.
Pricing: Offers a limited free version, with premium access starting at $0.99.
How Dynamic Island Works
Dynamic Island represents Apple’s innovative approach to transforming the traditional notch into a functional, interactive part of the iPhone display. Located at the top of the screen, Dynamic Island changes size and shape based on ongoing activities and notifications.
Real-time Updates
Dynamic Island integrates with system-level notifications and third-party apps to display live updates. For example:
- When playing music, it shows the song title and playback controls.
- During a phone call, it displays the call duration and provides quick access to mute or hang up.
- It displays a unique animation when using Face ID for verification.
- When your iPhone is charging, it shows the status and battery level.
- It works with apps like Maps to show navigation directions without opening the app.
Apple has adopted a new notification UI and animations to display system alerts and updates on Dynamic Island. Features like Focus, AirDrop, and Shortcuts, along with AirPlay and Hotspots, all appear on the cutout.
Helps in Multi-tasking
Dynamic Island allows you to monitor multiple activities simultaneously. It divides into two halves if you start a second task while one is running. For instance:
- You can track a timer while following navigation directions.
- It displays ongoing tasks, such as screen recordings or personal hotspot status, alongside notifications.
Interactive Features
Dynamic Island isn’t just for viewing; it’s also interactive. By tapping or holding the island, you can access expanded views or additional controls for activities like playback, sports updates, or ridesharing. You can also enjoy games designed specifically for Dynamic Island.
Integration with Live Activities
Live Activities are unique notifications that work seamlessly with Dynamic Island, allowing apps to display continuous updates for events like sports scores, delivery tracking, or fitness progress.
Which Native iOS Apps Support Dynamic Island?
Dynamic Island is compatible with a wide array of apps that support Live Activities. These include most of Apple’s native apps, such as Music, Phone, Maps, Timer, and Voice Memo. Many third-party apps, like Uber, Spotify, DoorDash, and Shazam, also offer Dynamic Island integration.
Dynamic Island has created an interesting way to interact with app notifications and multitasking on the iPhone. What’s your favorite app to use with Dynamic Island?