Apple has expanded Live Activities to iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, adapting the popular iPhone feature for new use cases across larger screens.
With iOS, this feature has helped users easily track timers, deliveries, sports scores, and more. Now in 2025, Apple is expanding this capability beyond the iPhone. That said, Live Activities on the iPad and Mac are handled differently.
Live Activities on iPadOS 26: Tracking Background Tasks
Unlike the iPhone, the iPad has long lacked proper background processing. If you started a long file export or upload, chances are iPadOS would shut the app down when it wasn’t in view. That changes with iPadOS 26.
Now, iPads can handle background tasks much like a Mac, and Live Activities play a key role in making this user-friendly.
Here’s how:
- When an app runs a background task (like rendering a video), a Live Activity will appear.
- This Live Activity will show progress updates, completion status, or estimated time remaining.
- It gives users more transparency over what’s running, without needing the app in the foreground.
This new integration finally makes multitasking and productivity on iPad far more practical, and gives pro users a reason to stick with iPadOS for serious work.
Related: iOS 26 Beta 1, iPadOS 26 Beta 1 OTA Update: How to Download and Install
Related: Download iPadOS 26 Official Wallpapers in Full Resolution for Any iPad
Live Activities on macOS Tahoe: Syncing Through iPhone Mirroring
On the Mac, Apple is approaching Live Activities differently by enhancing its iPhone Mirroring feature.
In macOS Tahoe:
- Live Activities that are running on your iPhone will show up in your Mac’s menu bar.
- This includes updates like delivery statuses, sports scores, and active timers.
- You can click the Live Activity on Mac, and it’ll open the iPhone Mirroring app, directly controlling the app from your phone.
This is a clever way to reduce device switching. Mac users no longer have to pick up their iPhone just to check on a delivery or ongoing timer. It’s all there on your Mac, seamlessly synced and interactive.
Related: macOS Tahoe 26 Beta 1 Released: How to Download and Install
Related: Download Official macOS Tahoe 26 Wallpapers + Dynamic Version
Why It Matters
Live Activities are becoming more than just an iPhone feature, they’re part of Apple’s broader ecosystem integration.
- On iPad, they help solve real workflow issues around background tasks.
- On Mac, they serve as a bridge to iPhone, improving continuity and reducing distraction.
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