Researcher finds iOS exploit enabling animated app icons

Researcher Bryce Bostwick has discovered an iOS exploit that allows developers to create animated app icons, bypassing Apple's typical restrictions.

Using the system’s official API in a private method, Bostwick enabled automatic icon changes without user confirmation, tricking iOS into seeing the app as active even when running in the background.

This exploit allows for the creation of animated icons, potentially enhancing user experience with features like notification animations. However, any apps using this exploit would likely be rejected by Apple’s App Store Review team.

While there are no official plans for animated icons, iOS 18, expected to be announced at WWDC 2024 on June 10, may include significant Home Screen updates, such as freely moving icons and customizing icon background colors.