Apple has unveiled a new feature within its News app to keep iPhone and iPad users updated on the 2024 U.S. election results in real time. This latest addition, announced on Tuesday, November 5, enables users to track election results, receive updates on candidates, and monitor key developments directly from their home screens. With this new widget, Apple is providing a streamlined way for users to stay informed about the election as it unfolds, making it easier to access up-to-the-minute information at a glance.
The feature, available on devices running iOS 17 and newer, delivers live updates on results from critical battleground states, as well as insights on voting trends at the state level. Apple has designed the widget to offer customizable sizing and placement on users’ screens, allowing them to tailor their election-tracking experience. Apple plans to gradually roll out the feature across the United States on Election Day to ensure users can conveniently keep track of the latest election news and results.
How to Enable Live Election Updates on iPhone and iPad
To activate live election tracking, users can open the Apple News app and look for the “Follow the 2024 election live” banner, which should appear prominently at the top of the app’s homepage or in the “Top Stories” section. If the banner is not immediately visible, users can locate it under the “Election 2024” menu option. Tapping on this banner will enable real-time election updates, which can be turned off at any time by tapping the banner again.
Additionally, Apple News Live Activities is available on both iPhone and iPad lock screens, and on iPhones equipped with Dynamic Island, the election updates appear with an enhanced display. The feature includes additional functionality for Apple Watch users, who can access the real-time election tracker through their widget view. This widget system was previously used for caucus coverage earlier this year, offering live updates on voting results and key developments, and Apple reports that users found it helpful for following events as they happened.
Widget Customization and Access Across Devices
The election widget can be resized and repositioned on the home screen to suit each user’s preferences. Larger widget sizes provide more detailed information, such as candidate updates and state-level voting trends, while smaller sizes offer a more streamlined view with essential headlines and updates. The widget is expected to update automatically with the latest information, reducing the need for users to manually refresh their news feeds.
For users with iPhones featuring Dynamic Island, the live election updates are enhanced to provide an interactive experience, where updates can be seen on the lock screen without the need to unlock the device. On iPads, users can similarly access real-time results and updates by enabling the Live Activities feature on their lock screens. Apple Watch users will also find the election tracker conveniently accessible in their widget view, ensuring that information is readily available across Apple’s ecosystem of devices.
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The Broader Impact of Apple’s Election Tracker Feature
As the 2024 election continues to unfold, this new widget functionality is positioned to offer Apple users a reliable and accessible way to stay informed. With real-time updates on election results, significant developments, and candidate news, Apple’s election tracker caters to the growing demand for instant information during major events. Given the success of similar Live Activities features in the past, Apple may consider expanding this real-time update model for future events in Apple News.
However, questions remain regarding how long Apple News will continue to support the live election update feature, especially in case of delayed results. The impact and popularity of this feature during the election period may shape Apple’s future plans for real-time updates on the News app, potentially making it a recurring offering for other major global events.
Apple’s introduction of the election-tracking widget showcases the company’s commitment to innovating how news is delivered, reflecting broader trends in the tech industry towards live, on-demand information. As Election Day progresses, the widget offers users a convenient way to follow developments, track results, and stay engaged with one of the most closely watched elections. With its live tracker, Apple continues to blend technology and timely information, meeting the needs of its users for accessible, accurate news in a fast-paced digital world.
