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iOS 16 Brings Back Full-Screen Music Player to the Lock Screen

With iOS 16, Apple is bringing the full-screen music player back to the Lock Screen, offering an entirely new view that puts album art in the center with controls at the bottom.

ios 16 lock screen music player
The full-screen music player on the lock screen was last available with iOS 10 and is now back with iOS 16 as part of a lock screen redesign. On iOS 16, users will be able to change the Lock Screen font and colors, add new widgets, entirely new dynamic wallpapers, and more.

It's worth noting that in the first developer beta of iOS 16, the full-screen music player does not seem to be present.

iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are currently in beta testing with developers with a public beta planned for both in July. ‌iOS 16‌, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and watchOS 9 will be available to users this fall.

Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

52 months ago

I hope that Apple allows users to adjust the location for where the playback controls go on the screen - I would much rather have the play, pause and skip forward and backward controls where they currently are on iOS 15

Having them at the bottom of the screen is horrible UI - especially when holding your iPhone with one hand
Huh? Especially with one hand it’s easier to use when it’s on the bottom.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BvizioN Avatar
52 months ago
Not sure what the big deal is with this one. I personally wouldn't want a full artwork image to take up the lock screen. just the player controls as minimal as possible and that's ti.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eddy Munn Avatar
52 months ago

Pretty sure the full size music player was last around in iOS 10 and went away with iOS 11 :)
Correct. iOS 10 vs iOS 11.

Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adammusic Avatar
52 months ago
Bring lyrics there too please
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ric275 Avatar
52 months ago

The full-screen music player on the lock screen was last available with iOS 7 and is now back with iOS 16 as part of a lock screen redesign.
Pretty sure the full size music player was last around in iOS 10 and went away with iOS 11 :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. 123 Avatar
49 months ago

How about if I don’t want just anyone to see what I’m listening to, music or podcast?

Seems like a glaring fail for a company that touts privacy.
You can click the artwork and it shrinks down to miniature size in the mini player on the Home Screen.

The full sieze artwork is probably my favorite ios16 feature as I’ve been wanting that for years!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)