Live Activities is a powerful iOS feature that enables real-time, interactive notifications to appear directly on the lock screen and Dynamic Island. This functionality allows users to stay updated on ongoing app activities without unlocking their phones.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of integrating Live Activities into your React Native app. By the end, you'll have a fully functional Live Activity with a detailed breakdown of each implementation step. Let’s get started!

What Are Live Activities and How Do They Work?

Live Activities are dynamic widgets designed to display up-to-date information about ongoing tasks—such as food deliveries, ride-sharing updates, or sports scores—right on the lock screen. With iOS 17, Apple introduced new enhancements that make Live Activities even more interactive.

Key Requirements and Features:

  • Fixed Size: Live Activity widgets follow predefined height and width limitations as per Apple’s guidelines.
  • 8-Hour Limit: Live Activities can stay active for up to 8 hours, making them ideal for tracking orders, events, or fitness activities.
  • iOS 17 Enhancements:
    • Full support for interactive elements, such as buttons and toggles, allowing users to engage directly from the widget.
    • Push notifications can now update or modify Live Activities dynamically.

These improvements provide developers with new ways to create engaging, real-time experiences that keep users connected to important app updates.

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