Apple recently allowed developers to create animated app icons through an exploit discovered by researcher Bryce Bostwick. This exploit bypasses the usual manual confirmation process required for changing app icons on iOS.
iOS apps with animated icons
Bostwick found a way to utilize the system’s official API to set custom icons without user confirmation, as well as tricking iOS into recognizing the app as active even when running in the background. This enables apps to automatically change their icons, potentially incorporating animated elements.
While the concept of animated icons for all apps may be excessive, Bostwick suggests that short animations could enhance user experience, such as displaying animations when receiving notifications.
It is important to note that apps exploiting this exploit would likely face rejection from the App Store Review team.
For a demonstration of the exploit, watch the video below:
iOS 18 to get revamped Home Screen
While there are no rumors of iOS introducing animated icons, reports indicate that iOS 18 will bring significant changes to the iPhone Home Screen. Users can expect new options for freely moving icons around the screen and selecting background colors for app icons.
iOS 18 is set to be announced on June 10 during the WWDC 2024 event.
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