Language-learning app Duolingo landed in controversy after displaying promotional content on Apple’s Dynamic Island, a move that reportedly violates Apple’s App Store guidelines. The incident has sparked debate over how far apps can push engagement tactics on premium iPhone interface features without crossing platform rules.
The development highlights rising tension between app growth strategies and Apple’s strict control over iOS user experience.
What Duolingo Did on Dynamic Island
Users recently noticed Duolingo showing promotional and reminder-style messages on the Dynamic Island, a UI element introduced by Apple to surface live activities such as navigation, music playback, or sports scores. The content, however, went beyond functional updates and appeared to promote app engagement—effectively resembling ads.
According to Apple’s policies, Dynamic Island and Live Activities are meant for real-time, utility-driven information, not marketing or advertising prompts.
Why This Violates Apple’s Guidelines
Apple clearly restricts the use of Live Activities and Dynamic Island to time-sensitive, non-promotional content. Apple’s guidelines state that apps must not use these surfaces for advertising, cross-promotion, or engagement spam.
By using Dynamic Island for promotional nudges, Duolingo is seen as violating these rules, potentially exposing the app to warnings, forced changes, or even App Store action.
Duolingo’s Growth-First Approach
Duolingo is well known for its aggressive engagement tactics, including persistent notifications, streak pressure, and playful guilt-based reminders using its iconic owl mascot. These strategies have helped Duolingo become one of the most downloaded education apps globally.
The Dynamic Island incident appears to be an extension of this growth-driven philosophy—testing the limits of user attention and platform tolerance.
User and Developer Reactions
Many users criticised the move, arguing that Dynamic Island is a premium interface feature that should remain free from ads. Developers, meanwhile, see the incident as a reminder of Apple’s tight grip over iOS design conventions.
Some developers worry that inconsistent enforcement could create uncertainty, while others support strict rules to preserve user experience.
Potential Consequences for Duolingo
If Apple determines that Duolingo’s implementation violates policy, the company could be required to remove or redesign the feature in an app update. In more serious cases, Apple can delay app updates or issue formal warnings.
Historically, Apple has acted quickly to curb misuse of system-level UI elements.
Bigger Picture: Control vs Innovation
The episode reflects a broader conflict in the app ecosystem. Developers want new surfaces to drive engagement and monetisation, while Apple prioritises a clean, predictable user experience.
Dynamic Island, in particular, is seen as a system-level feature—not an advertising canvas—making enforcement especially strict.
What Happens Next
Duolingo is expected to modify or roll back the Dynamic Island usage to comply with Apple’s rules. Apple, meanwhile, may use this case to reinforce clearer boundaries around Live Activities and promotional content.
The incident could also discourage other apps from experimenting aggressively with Dynamic Island placements.
Conclusion
The case where Duolingo displayed ads on Dynamic Island and violated Apple’s guidelines serves as a cautionary tale for app developers. While creative engagement drives growth, pushing into restricted system spaces can quickly invite platform backlash.
As Apple continues to guard the iOS experience tightly, developers will need to balance innovation with strict compliance—or risk losing access to some of the most powerful surfaces on the iPhone.
