Election Day is the most important time to stay up-to-date, and thanks to Apple’s new functionality, you can do just that. Apple now offers a Live Activities widget for its Apple News app, giving iPhone or iPad owners access to live election updates on the Lock Screen and Home Screen. The new version comes in time for the 2024 US presidential election and gives users a quick and simple way to get the most up-to-date electoral updates.
How the Apple News Live Activity Widget Works
Apple’s Live Activities, launched with iOS 16, allows apps to post updates instead of static data. Apple News’s new Election Day widget takes advantage of this to deliver real-time, live election results as they arrive from across the country. How to enable it:
- Open the Apple News App: Make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest iOS version.
- Activate Election Day Updates: Tap the banner at the top of the Apple News app that prompts you to “Follow the 2024 election live.” This action will initiate the Live Activity for Election Day updates.
- Real-Time Notifications: Once activated, you’ll receive real-time election updates right on your Lock Screen or, if you have an iPhone with Dynamic Island, within Dynamic Island.
This Live Activities functionality lets you receive real-time electoral counts without having to refresh the app.
More Election Features in the Apple News App
Apple News is incorporating additional election-related content in the app for those seeking more detailed coverage. The “America Votes 2024” tab allows users to access the most recent election news, voter instructions, and comprehensive coverage from the key battleground states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
In addition to the live widget, you can also add classic Apple News widgets to your Home Screen, designed to highlight breaking news or the 2024 Elections topic. Here is where you’ll find the top election stories so you can stay up to date.
Why Apple’s Real-Time Widget is a Game-Changer for Election Updates
Apple’s decision to offer election coverage in real time demonstrates its interest in delivering news that’s useful and user-friendly. By bringing live updates to the Lock Screen, Apple enables users to monitor the upcoming elections without unlocking their device.
This update is also part of a broader technological trend that places real-time data at the forefront of attention for users who depend on smartphones for daily news. The widget’s immediate availability enables voters and political participants to monitor the election at a glance.
How Apple’s Live Activity Widget Benefits Voters
If you want to stay updated on Election Day, Apple’s Live Activity widget is an alternative and accessible source. By mixing accessibility with real-time updates, Apple has built an app that provides the newest election news at the fingertips of the user. With this new functionality, we can further support civic engagement by allowing voters to remain in touch with the democratic process in an effortless manner.
Apple’s real-time updates on your Lock Screen mean you won’t miss any Election Day news. From waiting in line at the polls to checking your voter’s totals, Apple’s Election Day widget lets you access all the facts right on your phone.