Apple widgets bring a small, useful part of an app onto your screen. They let you check information or reach a quick action without opening the full app, so you can see what matters in the place you already look.
What is an Apple widget?
A widget is a compact view that an app makes for an Apple device. It might show the next event on your calendar, a weather summary, a reminder, or a shortcut to an action. Apple describes widgets as a way to surface timely, relevant information and specific app features at a glance.
Some widgets come from Apple apps; many others come from apps you install. A widget is different from an app icon: the icon opens the app, while a widget can show part of the app’s content before you open it. Depending on the app, tapping a widget may open a related screen, and some widgets include buttons or toggles for quick actions.
Where can you use widgets on Apple devices?
The options depend on the device, software version, and which places the app’s developer supports. Common widget locations include:
- iPhone: Home Screen, Lock Screen, Today View, and StandBy while the phone is charging in landscape.
- iPad: Home Screen and Today View, with placement options that vary by version.
- Mac: desktop and Notification Center. Some iPhone widgets can also be available on Mac when the devices and settings support it.
- Apple Watch: widgets in the Smart Stack, plus complications on watch faces.
Not every app offers a widget for every device or location. Apple’s WidgetKit overview explains how widgets fit across Apple platforms, while the iPhone widget guide covers adding and editing them.
How widget sizes and Smart Stacks work
Each app chooses the sizes and layouts it offers. A smaller widget can fit into a tighter Home Screen layout; a larger one can show more information or give artwork more room. Preview the available options in the widget gallery before adding one.
If you want to save space, you can stack compatible widgets in one Home Screen spot and swipe through them. A Smart Stack can also rotate widgets based on contextual signals such as time and activity. You stay in control of which widgets are in the stack and can edit or reorder them.
Are Apple widgets interactive?
Some are. Depending on how an app is designed, a widget may let you complete a task with a button or toggle. Other widgets mainly show information, and tapping them opens the app. The interaction is specific to each app: don’t assume that every widget can be edited, scrolled, or used like a miniature version of its full app.
For example, Apple documents interactive widget buttons and toggles for supported actions. Its WidgetKit interactivity guide describes the design and platform details for developers.
How to add a widget to your iPhone
Touch and hold an empty area on your Home Screen until the icons jiggle, open Edit, then choose Add Widget. Find an app, swipe through its available styles, select a size, and tap Add Widget. Move it into place and tap Done. Button labels can vary slightly by iOS version.
For the full walkthrough, including moving and removing widgets, read our step-by-step guide to iPhone Home Screen widgets. If you’re setting up a bedside display, our guide to using StandBy widgets on iPhone explains that view too.
A more playful side of widgets
Many widgets help you get information quickly. Jubs is exploring another use for the same space: tiny animated worlds inspired by holidays, festivals, and traditions around the world. Halloween is the first collection, with more celebrations planned as the library grows.
You can try the Jubs widget preview and see the current collection on the Halloween widgets page. Jubs for iPhone is not available to download yet.
Apple widgets: common questions
Are widgets made by Apple only?
No. Apple provides the system and framework for widgets, and both Apple apps and third-party apps can offer them.
Do widgets update constantly?
No. Widgets are designed for information you can check at a glance, and each app determines what it shows and how it updates within Apple’s system. A widget may not refresh every moment.
Can the same widget appear on every Apple device?
Not always. Developers choose which devices, widget sizes, and locations their app supports. Check the widget gallery on the device you want to use.