Native Media Engine Optimization & Live Activities R&D for a Global Fitness Platform

About Project

This engagement focused on resolving critical media playback issues and enabling advanced native iOS capabilities inside a high-traffic React Native fitness application. The product relied heavily on video workouts with voice guidance, but the existing native player implementation created serious UX limitations for users during training sessions. Over an intensive two-month sprint, the project evolved from deep debugging of the custom media module to research and architectural planning for next-generation iOS features such as Live Activities and Dynamic Island integration. The goal was not only to fix long-standing playback issues but also to bridge the gap between the React Native core and powerful native iOS functionality.

Challenges

Although the application was built with React Native for cross-platform delivery, the video playback and voice guidance relied on a custom native module that had accumulated technical issues. Users were unable to listen to their own music while following workout instructions, missing essential iOS features like AirPlay and Picture-in-Picture, and the team lacked the expertise to implement modern iOS engagement tools such as Live Activities within a hybrid architecture. The client needed both immediate fixes to critical media behavior and a clear technical path to implement advanced native features without rewriting the app.

Goal

• 1

  Fix Media Playback and Audio Conflicts

  Allow users to play personal music while hearing in-app voice guidance without interruptions.

• 2

  Enable Native iOS Media Features

  Implement AirPlay and Picture-in-Picture to improve the home workout experience.

• 3

  Bridge React Native with Advanced Native Capabilities

  Create a reliable communication layer between the JS core and native modules.

• 4

  Prepare a Roadmap for Live Activities Integration

  Provide a validated architecture for Lock Screen and Dynamic Island workout widgets.

Solution

Devios joined as a specialized native iOS task force to stabilize the media engine and design the architecture for future iOS features. We refactored the native video module using AVFoundation and carefully redesigned the AVAudioSession configuration to support audio mixing and ducking. This allowed users to play music from external streaming apps while listening to workout instructions simultaneously. We also fixed Control Center synchronization issues and implemented support for AirPlay and Picture-in-Picture, bringing the app to parity with modern media standards. In parallel, we conducted R&D around ActivityKit and Dynamic Island capabilities within a hybrid React Native environment. We designed and validated the data flow required to trigger and update Live Activities from the JavaScript layer and delivered a production-ready technical roadmap for the client’s internal team. Within eight weeks, the media experience was stabilized, critical UX issues were resolved, and the foundation for next-generation iOS engagement features was successfully established.

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