You won’t need Apple’s latest OLED MacBook Pro to see Live Activities on your Mac. With macOS 27.3, the feature is expanding to all Apple Silicon Macs through the menu bar.
Previously exclusive to the new MacBook Pro models with Dynamic Island, Live Activities will now display real-time updates from apps like Apple Music, Clock, and Voice Memos without requiring users to switch windows.
The feature is included in the first macOS 27.3 beta, with a public release expected in December.
How Live Activities Work on Older Macs
Live Activities provide quick access to ongoing tasks, similar to how they work in the Dynamic Island on iPhone.
On the new OLED MacBook Pro, these updates appear in the Dynamic Island built into the display. Older Macs don’t have that hardware, so macOS 27.3 places them in the menu bar instead.
For example, you’ll be able to:
- Apple Music: See what’s playing and access playback controls.
- Clock: Check a running timer without opening the app.
- Voice Memos: Monitor an active recording.
- Screen recording: Keep track of an ongoing screen capture.
Third-party developers can also add Live Activities to their Mac apps, potentially bringing similar functionality to other services.
Also:
Unlike Before, You Won’t Need an iPhone
Live Activities aren’t entirely new to macOS.
Apple introduced support in macOS 26, but that implementation relied on mirroring Live Activities from a connected iPhone.
With macOS 27.3, Mac apps can generate their own Live Activities, so the feature works independently of an iPhone.
That distinction makes the feature more practical for everyday Mac use, particularly when you’re monitoring a timer, recording, or another ongoing task while working in a different app.
When Will macOS 27.3 Be Available?
Live Activities in the menu bar are currently available in the macOS 27.3 developer and public betas.
Apple is expected to release the update in December, bringing the feature to compatible Apple Silicon Macs without requiring the newer MacBook Pro’s Dynamic Island.
