Widgets are set to take center stage in Apple’s upcoming operating system updates for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. With the introduction of new features and improvements, widgets will become more prominent and interactive across Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple first introduced widgets with iOS 14 three years ago, offering new templates, home screen widgets, and smart stacks. However, on the iPad, widgets were limited to the sidebar until iPadOS 15 allowed for more flexibility in placing widgets anywhere on the home screen. In macOS Big Sur, widgets could be placed in the notification panel on the right side of the screen, similar to the iPhone.
But this fall, widgets will receive a welcome change that elevates their importance throughout Apple’s platforms. Widgets have been available on all Apple devices except for tvOS, but their functionality has been limited. For example, in watchOS, widgets were only available on the Siri watch face and had a limited number of options. However, with the upcoming update, watchOS will feature a list of widgets that can be accessed by swiping up or using the digital crown. This allows users to check important information without opening the app, making it a more convenient solution for the small Apple Watch screen.
In iOS and iPadOS, widgets will gain “interactive” capabilities, significantly increasing their usefulness. Users will be able to check information at a glance and perform basic tasks without having to open the app. For example, users can check the weather without entering the app or play music directly from the widget. These interactive widgets will make the overall user experience more efficient and convenient.
The most significant change will come to macOS, where widgets will be given a prominent place on the home screen. Currently, widgets in Notification Center have limited functionality. However, in macOS Sonoma, users will be able to place widgets on the desktop, use interactive widgets, and even place iPhone widgets on the Mac as long as the iPhone is nearby or connected to the same network. This update will transform the desktop into a vital space within the Apple ecosystem, making widgets more accessible and useful for users.
The introduction of interactive widgets across all Apple devices will revolutionize the way users interact with their devices. Users will be able to see important information and perform tasks without having to open individual apps, enhancing productivity and convenience. This feature has long been available on Android devices, but Apple users have been eagerly awaiting this update since the widget reorganization in 2020.
On the Apple Watch, widgets will play a crucial role in the new interface. The limited screen space and flexibility of the watch make widgets an essential tool for displaying important information at a glance. The introduction of smart stacks of widgets will make Apple Watch apps more useful and could help revitalize the watch app ecosystem.
For Mac users, the ability to place widgets on the desktop and the addition of interactivity will transform the desktop into a more dynamic and essential space. Additionally, the ability to use iPhone widgets on the Mac without picking up the iPhone adds another level of convenience for users.
Furthermore, the new Standby mode on the iPhone, which displays a clock, calendar view, and widgets when the device is charging in landscape mode, is expected to expand to iPads and Macs in the future. This will make widgets even more attractive to app developers, as they can create engaging and interactive experiences for users.
While users may not immediately feel the impact of these widget updates, third-party apps will need to be updated to support interactive widgets. New apps targeting the new operating systems will also start appearing on the App Store this fall. By this time next year, Apple devices will be filled with widgets, and users are likely to embrace and enjoy the enhanced functionality they bring.
Overall, the upcoming changes to widgets in Apple’s operating systems will revolutionize the way users interact with their devices, making information more accessible and tasks more convenient to perform. The anticipation for these updates is high, and users are eager to explore the new possibilities that widgets will bring to their Apple devices.
What are the new interactive capabilities that widgets will have on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and how will they improve the overall user experience
Widgets are set to become more prominent and interactive in Apple’s upcoming operating system updates for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. This includes new features and improvements that will enhance the functionality of widgets across Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple first introduced widgets with iOS 14 three years ago, offering various templates, home screen widgets, and smart stacks. However, widgets on the iPad were initially limited to the sidebar, but with iPadOS 15, users gained more flexibility in placing widgets anywhere on the home screen. In macOS Big Sur, widgets were placed in the notification panel on the right side of the screen, similar to the iPhone.
However, this fall, widgets will be getting a significant upgrade that will enhance their importance across all Apple platforms. Previously, widgets were available on all Apple devices except for tvOS, but their functionality was limited. For instance, in watchOS, widgets were only available on the Siri watch face with a limited range of options. However, the upcoming update will introduce a list of widgets that can be accessed by swiping up or using the digital crown, providing users with the ability to check important information without opening the app. This will make widgets more convenient and useful on the smaller Apple Watch screen.
On iOS and iPadOS, widgets will gain “interactive” capabilities, greatly increasing their utility. Users will be able to view information at a glance and perform basic tasks without having to open the app itself. For example, users can check the weather or play music directly from the widget. These interactive widgets will enhance overall user experience, making it more efficient and convenient.
The most significant change will occur on macOS, where widgets will be given a prominent place on the home screen. Currently, widgets in Notification Center have limited functionality. However, in macOS Sonoma, users will have the ability to place widgets on the desktop, use interactive widgets, and even place iPhone widgets on the Mac as long as the iPhone is nearby or connected to the same network. This update will transform the desktop into a vital space within the Apple ecosystem, making widgets more accessible and useful for users.
With the introduction of interactive widgets across all Apple devices, users will experience a revolution in how they interact with their devices. They will be able to quickly access important information and perform tasks without needing to open individual apps, ultimately enhancing productivity and convenience.
Widgets have been a long-awaited addition to the Apple ecosystem, and their imminent arrival is generating great anticipation. With the potential to revolutionize the user experience across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, the possibilities for enhanced customization and productivity are endless. Apple users can’t wait to see how widgets will transform their devices and streamline their daily routines.