Live Activities | Apple Developer Documentation

What this skill does

This skill guides marketers and designers in creating and testing Live Activities across Apple platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and CarPlay. It provides precise screen dimensions and layout specifications to optimize dynamic content presentation in real-time, such as on the iPhone’s Dynamic Island, Apple Watch Smart Stack, or CarPlay displays. The skill helps ensure that marketing notifications and real-time updates maintain clarity and engagement by adhering to Apple's native design guidelines and device-specific resolutions.

Who it's for

This skill is essential for performance marketers and growth leads focused on mobile user engagement through Apple’s ecosystem, especially those running campaigns that leverage real-time updates or location-based notifications. It also serves agency strategists managing cross-platform app marketing who need to maintain consistent brand experiences across devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, and CarPlay systems. SEO and PPC operators optimizing app store assets and in-app messaging can benefit from understanding how Live Activities fit into user touchpoints on Apple devices.

Key workflows

Practitioners first identify the target Apple devices and corresponding screen sizes, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s Dynamic Island or the 45mm Apple Watch Smart Stack. Next, they design Live Activity content to fit exact dimensions, accounting for portrait or widescreen modes and variable heights on lock screens or expanded views. Following design, testing occurs using the CarPlay Simulator or device simulators with Smart Display Zoom settings to validate visual clarity and responsiveness. Finally, they iterate based on performance metrics like user interaction rates or retention tied to Live Activity notifications.

Common questions

What are the key screen sizes to consider for Live Activities on iPhones? The relevant dimensions vary by model, with Dynamic Island widths ranging from 230 to 250 points in compact mode and expanded widths around 371 to 408 points. How do Live Activities differ on Apple Watch compared to iPhone? Watch Live Activities use fixed Smart Stack sizes, such as 184x80.5 points on a 45mm model, focusing on glanceable updates. Can Live Activities be tested on CarPlay? Yes, testing is supported via the CarPlay Simulator with configurations for Smart Display Zoom to match actual in-car display resolutions.

How to use in Metaflow

Attach this skill to a Metaflow agent tasked with designing or optimizing Apple platform notifications and real-time content. The agent will leverage device-specific layout data and testing workflows to ensure Live Activities perform well across iOS, watchOS, macOS, and CarPlay environments. Expect detailed sizing guidance and simulation recommendations that align with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to enhance campaign effectiveness and user engagement. You can learn more about integrating this skill within your workflows by...

For broader context, see our roundup of marketing skills claude, and read how to create Claude skills for related setup guidance.