In a bid to keep voters informed and engaged, Apple has unveiled an innovative Live Activities widget within its Apple News app, just in time for Election Day in the U.S. This new feature allows users to receive live election updates directly on their iPhone or iPad’s Home Screen and Lock Screen, ensuring you don't miss a beat as the presidential race unfolds.

The Live Activities feature, introduced with iOS 16 in 2022, enables iOS apps to refresh their widgets with real-time information instead of displaying a static snapshot. This is particularly advantageous for monitoring dynamic data such as election results, stock prices, or weather conditions.

To get started with the Apple News Live Activity, simply open the News app and tap on the banner at the top of the screen that promises live updates. Once you do this, you’ll see a message confirming that “Live Activity Scheduled.” As soon as the Election Day events commence, you’ll receive continuous updates on both your Home Screen and Lock Screen, providing you a seamless experience of tracking the electoral count as results come in from various states.

Aside from the Live Activities widget, the Apple News app features a comprehensive U.S. Elections hub titled “America Votes 2024.” Here, Apple News not only highlights the latest election updates but also provides essential voting information, including how to cast your vote and details about key battleground states such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and more.

But that’s not all! The hub allows users to dive deeper into the full spectrum of election coverage, featuring a blend of news stories, detailed analysis, and perspectives on pivotal campaign issues. Trending topics include healthcare, immigration, the economy, climate change, and reproductive rights, ensuring that you are informed on every aspect of the upcoming election.

Moreover, with customizable options, users can follow the latest news surrounding Republican, Democratic, and third-party candidates, curated specifically for their interests.

This ground-breaking feature aligns with Apple’s commitment to empowering users with timely information, particularly in a critical period where every vote counts. Stay connected and informed; don’t let Election Day pass by without the updates that matter most!