The Dynamic Island is one of the most useful features Apple has introduced in recent years. On the iPhone 17, it has become more customizable and practical than ever. You can select which apps appear, decide how frequently they update, and even adjust how animations behave. This makes it possible to manage your phone more efficiently without leaving the apps you are already using. So follow along as we show you how to use the Dynamic ISland on iPhone 17 with iOS 26.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to use and customise the Dynamic Island on iPhone 17 with iOS 26
- If you want to know how to get the most from the Dynamic Island on your iPhone 17, this guide will walk you through what it can do, how to set it up, and how to tailor it to your preferences.
Table of Contents
What the Dynamic Island is and how to use it without third-party apps
Since its introduction, the Dynamic Island has gone through various updates and improvements. It now offers a highly flexible interface at the top of your screen. You can manage apps directly without needing widgets or external tools, and it does not interfere with your wallpaper. The battery usage of the feature is very low, so you do not have to worry about draining power while using it. The Island provides instant shortcuts and information from compatible apps, which you can adjust based on your own needs.
How to Use and Customise the Dynamic Island on iPhone 17 with iOS 26
If you want to personalise the Dynamic Island, you can decide which apps are allowed to show live activities. For example, you might want audio apps, note-taking tools, or productivity apps to appear. The setup is simple and can be changed whenever you like.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down to the Apps section
- Select the app you want to manage
- Tap on Live Activities
- Turn on the switch for Allow Live Activities
Note: If you do not want an app to display information, simply turn this option off.
Showing More Frequent Updates
Some apps work better when their information is refreshed more often, such as sports scores or delivery tracking. You can activate more frequent updates in the same settings screen. After following steps one through five, toggle the switch next to More Frequent Updates. This will allow the Dynamic Island to display almost real-time information from the selected app.
Reducing Animations in the Dynamic Island
If you prefer a cleaner look with less motion, you can adjust the animation settings. Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Motion. From there, enable Reduce Motion. This makes the animations within the Dynamic Island more subtle and less distracting.
More iOS 26 Features to Take Advantage of?
If you have just updated to iOS 26 and are looking to see what's new and improved, check out the rest of the guides in our iOS 26 guide list below.
New Features and Troubleshooting Guides for iOS 26
