Top 3 Key Points:
- Reduced Update Frequency: Live Activities updates now occur every 5-15 seconds in iOS 18, down from once per second in iOS 17.
- Impact on Real-Time Apps: Apps requiring real-time data, like fitness trackers, may experience delays, affecting usability.
- Apple’s Reasoning: The change aims to prevent excessive wear on-device storage and was intended to avoid “real-time experiences” with Live Activities.
In a recent update, Apple has introduced changes in iOS 18 that will affect how frequently Live Activities can refresh. This change may impact certain apps, particularly those that rely on real-time updates, though most apps are expected to function as usual.
The Update Explained
According to developer feedback shared on social media, Apple has reduced the refresh rate for Live Activities in iOS 18. Previously, developers could update Live Activities every second. However, starting with iOS 18, updates are now limited to intervals of 5 to 15 seconds. This change has raised concerns, especially for apps like Nico’s, which track real-time data such as bike speed. With the new update frequency, users may experience a delay of around 10 seconds, which could be inconvenient for some use cases.
Why the Change?
Apple has explained that the decision to limit Live Activities updates was intentional. Each time Live Activities update, data is written to the device’s storage, leading to potential wear and tear over time. This concern is heightened in iOS 18, as Live Activities now sync with Apple Watch through watchOS 11. Apple emphasizes that Live Activities were never meant to offer “real-time experiences” and that the ability to update frequently was more of an unintended loophole in the system.
Impact on Developers and Users
Interestingly, Apple itself has used examples similar to Nico’s app—like fitness apps that display real-time metrics—as ideal use cases for Live Activities. However, the recent change suggests that Apple is moving away from supporting these real-time functions.
For most apps, this adjustment won’t cause significant issues. For instance, apps like Uber or Lyft, which display a countdown timer, will remain unaffected. These apps typically push one-time updates, allowing the timer to count down independently, rather than needing constant updates.
Conclusion
Apple introduced Live Activities in iOS 16 to provide quick, essential updates directly on the lock screen or Dynamic Island. With iOS 18, while Live Activities continue to be a valuable feature, developers and users should be aware of the reduced update frequency, particularly for apps that rely on real-time data.
