Live Activities in iOS 18 won't be refreshed in real-time

If you’ve been enjoying the real-time updates on your iPhone’s lock screen through Live Activities, get ready for a bit of a disappointment. Apple has decided to slow down the refresh rate of Live Activities in iOS 18, meaning you won’t see updates as frequently as before.

This all started when iOS developer Nico took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent about a rather unexpected change in iOS 18. His app, which previously could update Live Activities every second, suddenly found itself stuck in slow motion, with updates now trickling in every 5 to 15 seconds. For an app that shows real-time bike speed, that delay is the digital equivalent of a bike chain slipping off the gears mid-ride.

So, why the sudden slowdown? Apple’s response, as per the screenshot Nico shared, was clear: This isn’t a glitch — it’s intentional. According to Apple, the frequent updates were putting unnecessary strain on your iPhone’s storage and battery. Each update requires writing data to disk, which can wear down the NAND flash memory over time. And with the introduction of Live Activities syncing to your Apple Watch in iOS 18, the impact on battery life would be even more significant.

Apple also argues that Live Activities were never intended to be used for real-time experiences. While the company initially showcased Live Activities as a way to get up-to-the-minute information, it seems they’ve decided to limit their capabilities. It turns out, the “hole in the API” that allowed these frequent updates was, in Apple’s eyes, never meant to be open in the first place. Here’s a screenshot of what Apple told Nico about this change.

For most users, the impact of this change may not be noticeable. Apps that don’t require frequent updates, like those that display static information, will still work as expected. However, apps that rely on real-time updates, such as fitness trackers or ride-sharing apps, may experience a slight delay in their information.

This change is a setback for developers who have invested time and resources into creating Live Activities for their apps. Some developers, like Nico, who used Live Activities to display real-time updates every second, may find that the delay makes their apps less useful.

While Apple’s decision to limit Live Activities may be disappointing for some, it’s important to remember that the company is always balancing performance, battery life, and user experience. As with any new feature, there are trade-offs to be made.

Live Activities will still be a valuable tool for getting quick updates on your iPhone, but don’t expect them to be as real-time as they were before. If you rely heavily on Live Activities for real-time information, you may need to adjust your expectations or explore alternative options.