Swipe to Control: iOS 27’s New Lock Screen Feature

iOS 27 introduces a new feature that allows users to clear the Now Playing widget on their lock screens, similar to how notifications are managed. Here’s what you need to know about this update.

Swipe also hides Now Playing from Dynamic Island

For a long time, iPhone users have been seeking a way to dismiss the Now Playing widget on the Lock Screen, and with iOS 27, Apple has finally granted this capability. Users can now swipe away the Now Playing widget from the Lock Screen and Notification Center. Interestingly, swiping the widget away also hides it from the Dynamic Island.

While this new functionality is a welcome addition, there doesn’t seem to be a straightforward method to bring back the widget immediately once dismissed. The only workaround at the moment involves pausing playback, waiting for a few minutes, and then resuming it.

It’s worth noting that the behavior seems to be app-specific. For example, if you dismiss the Now Playing widget while listening to a podcast in Overcast and then switch to watching a video in YouTube, the Now Playing widget will reappear for YouTube. However, resuming playback in a different app may not necessarily bring back its Now Playing widget immediately.

To stay updated on all the latest news and announcements from WWDC26, make sure to visit our news hub.

If you’re currently using iOS 27 developer beta 1, have you tested the feature to dismiss the Now Playing widget? Share your experience in the comments below.

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