One of Apple’s most enjoyable software enhancements in recent years has been Live Activities, an iPhone feature that continues to evolve. With macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, Live Activities will also be available on the Mac and iPad, each featuring unique functionalities. Here’s how they will operate.
Live Activities are continuously enhancing across Apple’s platforms
Live Activities made their debut on the iPhone with the introduction of the first always-on display in the iPhone 14 Pro.
They provide an efficient way to receive live updates from multiple apps, allowing users to track:
- the active timer
- status updates on food deliveries
- current sports scores
- and much more
Since their launch, Apple has consistently enhanced Live Activities and even incorporated them into the Apple Watch last year via the Smart Stack.
Now, Live Activities are set to arrive on the iPad and Mac.
However, the implementation on each platform is distinct, utilizing the unique features of iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe.
iPadOS 26 employs Live Activities for background tasks
In iPadOS 26, Live Activities are integrated with the new Background Tasks feature.
This capability has long been needed on the iPad.
Contrary to the Mac, where apps can perform intensive background processes with minimal restrictions, the iPad has historically limited its resource usage.
If an app on the iPad isn’t currently visible, iPadOS typically shuts down its background processes quickly.
With iPadOS 26, however, the situation is changing. Apps can now perform demanding tasks—such as lengthy file exports—completely in the background.
During these operations, iPadOS will utilize a Live Activity to display the ongoing progress.
This allows users to be informed regarding the process occurring in the background and monitor its completion.
macOS Tahoe’s Live Activities integrate with iPhone Mirroring
Apple introduced iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia last year, allowing users to control their connected iPhone from their Mac.
With macOS Tahoe, this continuity feature is elevated with the addition of Live Activity support.
Live Activities running on your iPhone will now seamlessly appear in the Mac’s menu bar.
Instead of constantly checking your iPhone, you can receive all essential updates directly in the macOS menu bar.
If interaction with a Live Activity is required, simply click on it within macOS, and the iPhone Mirroring app will launch, directing you to the corresponding app.
This approach differs significantly from the iPad’s implementation, enhancing one of the best features offered by last year’s Mac updates.
Are you looking forward to Live Activities on the iPad and Mac? Share your thoughts in the comments.
