Apple Widgets: Why the Sudden Widget Craze?

Apple’s recent focus on widgets across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS is a deliberate strategy to make its platforms more glanceable and customizable, directly answering the question of whether the company is going “widget crazy”—yes, but with a clear purpose. The shift began with iOS 14 in 2020, which introduced home screen widgets, and has expanded with interactive widgets in iOS 17 and a dedicated widget mode in watchOS 10. This article explains why Apple has embraced widgets, how they work, how to choose and manage them, common problems, and how they compare to Android widgets.

Formula

The calculator above estimates the total time you spend looking at widgets each day. The formula is:

Total time (min) = Number of widgets on screen × Average time per widget (min)

Where:

• Number of widgets on screen – how many widgets you have placed across your home screens or desktop.
• Average time per widget – how many minutes per day you spend reading or interacting with each widget, on average.

The result is in minutes, and the second output converts it to hours for convenience.

Worked Example

Using the default values: 12 widgets on screen, and you spend about 5 minutes per day on each widget.

Total time = 12 × 5 = 60 minutes per day.

That equals 1 hour per day spent on widgets. This gives you a rough idea of how much of your daily screen time is widget-related.

Background: Why Apple Embraced Widgets

Widgets have existed on Android since 2008, but Apple avoided them for years, likely due to concerns about battery life, performance, and the simplicity of the home screen. The turning point came with iOS 14 in 2020, when Apple introduced widgets that could be placed directly on the home screen, not just in the Today View. This was a major shift in design philosophy, acknowledging that users wanted more information at a glance without opening apps.

Since then, Apple has pushed widgets further:

• iOS 17 (2023): Added interactive widgets, so you can tap buttons or check off items directly on the widget without opening the app.
• watchOS 10 (2023): Introduced the Smart Stack, a scrollable set of widgets that replace the old watch face complications as the primary way to get info.
• macOS Sonoma (2023): Brought widgets to the Mac desktop, even allowing you to use your iPhone widgets on the Mac.

This progression shows Apple is not just adding widgets as a feature but making them a core part of the user experience across all devices.

How Widgets Work on Apple Devices

Widgets are small extensions of apps that display live data. They are built using the WidgetKit framework, which allows developers to create widgets that update at specific times (like weather) or in response to user actions (like to-do lists).

On iPhone and iPad, you add widgets by long-pressing the home screen, tapping the plus button in the top left corner, and searching for the app. You can choose from different sizes (small, medium, large) and place them anywhere. On Mac, you can right-click the desktop and select “Edit Widgets” to add them. On Apple Watch, you swipe up from the watch face to see the Smart Stack.

Widgets are designed to be “glanceable” – you should be able to get the information you need in seconds. They are not meant to replace full app interactions, but rather to reduce the number of times you need to open an app to check something.

How to Choose the Right Widgets

With thousands of widgets available, it’s easy to clutter your screen. Here are practical tips for choosing which widgets to use:

• Identify your top apps: Which apps do you open most often just to check something? Those are the best candidates for widgets.
• Consider the size: Small widgets are good for a single piece of info (like the temperature). Medium widgets can show more detail (like a calendar day). Large widgets are best for lists or detailed data (like a news feed).
• Use Smart Stacks: On iPhone and iPad, you can create a Smart Stack that automatically rotates through widgets based on context (time, location, activity). This saves space.
• Limit to one home screen: Too many widgets can make it hard to find your apps. Keep your most-used widgets on the first screen, and put less critical ones on a second screen or in the Today View.

A common mistake is adding too many widgets that show the same information (e.g., multiple weather widgets). Choose one widget per category that matters to you.

Common Problems and Solutions

Widgets are generally reliable, but users report a few common issues:

• Widgets not updating: This often happens if the app is not allowed to refresh in the background. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and make sure it’s enabled for that app. Also, try removing and re-adding the widget.
• Widgets showing placeholder data: If a widget shows “No Data” or stale info, it may be because the app hasn’t been opened in a while. Opening the app usually forces a refresh.
• Battery drain: Widgets that update frequently (like weather or stocks) can drain battery. To mitigate, choose widgets that update less often, or use the Smart Stack which limits updates.
• Widgets not interactive: Interactive widgets require iOS 17 or later. If you’re on an older version, you’ll only see the static version.

If a widget is misbehaving, a simple restart of the device often fixes it.

Widgets vs. Android Widgets

Android has had widgets for over a decade, and they are generally more flexible. Android widgets can be resized freely, can contain complex interactive elements (like scrollable lists), and can be placed anywhere on the grid. Apple’s widgets are more limited: they come in fixed sizes, and until iOS 17, they were not interactive at all.

However, Apple’s widgets are more consistent and often look better integrated with the system. They also use a more efficient update mechanism, which can be better for battery life. Android widgets can be more powerful, but they can also be more resource-hungry and inconsistent in design.

For most users, Apple’s widgets are sufficient for quick information. Power users who want deep customization may still prefer Android.

Costs and Availability

Widgets themselves are free – they come built into apps. There is no cost to add or use widgets. Some apps offer premium widgets as part of a subscription, but these are optional. For example, a weather app might offer a more detailed widget in its paid version, but the basic widget is free.

Widgets are available on:

• iPhone and iPod touch (iOS 14 or later)
• iPad (iPadOS 15 or later)
• Mac (macOS Sonoma or later)
• Apple Watch (watchOS 10 or later)

If you have an older device that doesn’t support the latest OS, you won’t get the newest widget features, but basic widgets still work.

Privacy and Safety

Widgets can display sensitive information, like calendar events, messages, or health data. This poses a privacy risk if someone else sees your screen. To protect yourself:

• Use the “Hide Preview” option for widgets that show sensitive data (available in some apps).
• Be careful which widgets you place on the lock screen (iOS 16+), as they are visible without unlocking.
• Review each widget’s permissions in the app’s settings. Some widgets may request access to location or health data.

Apple’s widgets are sandboxed and cannot access data from other apps without permission, so the risk is low. But it’s still wise to be mindful of what you display.

Alternatives to Widgets

If you find widgets cluttered or distracting, there are alternatives:

• App Shortcuts: Use the Shortcuts app to create one-tap actions that perform a task, like getting directions home or sending a quick message.
• Lock Screen Complications: On iOS 16+, you can add small complications to the lock screen that show similar info without taking up home screen space.
• Notification Center: Many apps provide rich notifications that you can act on without opening the app.
• Just open the app: Sometimes it’s simpler to open the app and see the full picture. Widgets are not mandatory.

Choose the method that reduces friction for you, not the one that looks coolest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do widgets slow down my iPhone?

Generally, no. Apple designed widgets to update efficiently, and they use minimal memory. However, if you have many widgets that update very frequently (like weather or stocks), you might notice a slight battery drain. It’s rare to see performance degradation from widgets alone.

Can I use Android widgets on iPhone?

No. Android widgets are not compatible with iOS. You can only use widgets from apps that are installed on your iPhone, and they must be built with Apple’s WidgetKit framework.

Why are my widgets not interactive?

Interactive widgets require iOS 17 or later. If you’re on an older version, widgets are static. Also, not all apps have updated their widgets to be interactive. Check the App Store for updates.

How do I remove a widget?

On iPhone/iPad: long-press the widget, tap “Remove Widget” or “Edit Widget” to change its settings. On Mac: right-click the widget and select “Remove Widget”. On Apple Watch: scroll to the widget in the Smart Stack, long-press, and tap the minus button.

Can widgets access my location?

Yes, if the app has location permission, its widget can use that data (e.g., a weather widget showing local conditions). You can manage location permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

Do widgets use more battery?

Widgets do use some battery because they update in the background. The impact is usually small, but widgets that update every few minutes (like a stock ticker) will use more. To minimize battery usage, limit the number of widgets and choose those that update less frequently.

Related

• Google Messages vs Apple & Samsung: 5 New Features
• Best Games April: Top Picks & Buying Guide
• Sling TV Returns to Roots With 20 Select Bundle

in t | Number of widgets on screen | widgets | 12 | 1 | 100
in d | Average time spent per widget per day | min | 5 | 0 | 1440
out total | Total time per day on widgets | min | t * d | 0
out hours | Total time per day on widgets | hours | (t * d) / 60 | 1