Interactive Widgets Now Available on iPhone with iOS 17
On Monday, June 5, 2023, Apple announced that interactive widgets are now available on the iPhone with the new iOS 17 update. This feature is accessible across the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the new StandBy mode. Users will be able to interact with widgets directly for some actions such as marking reminders as completed, playing or pausing music or podcasts, and controlling accessories in the Home app. Third-party apps are also expected to update their support for interactive widgets, potentially leading to more possibilities for users.
Evolution of Home Screen Widgets
The introduction of Home Screen widgets was first made in iOS 14. However, until now, they offered limited functionality. Apple did not allow developers to include interactive elements such as scrolling, buttons, or animated transitions. Home Screen widgets were only allowed to present read-only information. Tapping on a widget would simply open the corresponding app. The newly available interactive widgets on iOS 17 bring a refreshing change that can make the user experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Availability on Other Devices
The interactive widgets made available on the iPhone with iOS 17 are also available on the iPad Home Screen and Lock Screen with iPadOS 17, and on the Mac’s desktop with macOS Sonoma. All software updates are currently in beta, and the public release is expected later this year.
Editorial: The Evolution and Significance of Interactive Widgets
Interactive widgets have transformed from mere visually appealing widgets to highly functional tools. With the introduction of this feature, users will be able to access crucial app functionalities without opening the application. It significantly saves time and improves productivity. Moreover, interactive widgets also provide a personalized experience as users can choose what functionalities they want to integrate with their Home Screen, Lock Screen, and StandBy mode.
Apple’s introduction of interactive widgets has set the stage for other technology companies to step up and integrate similar features. In a world where users demand personalization and functionality at their fingertips, interactive widgets will most likely remain a popular feature. With more third-party apps expected to update their support for interactive widgets, the possibilities for personalization and functionality are endless.
Advice for iPhone Users
If you’re an iPhone user, you can enjoy the newly available interactive widgets by updating your device to iOS 17. You can access these widgets on your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and StandBy mode. To take full advantage of this new feature, consider adding widgets of your most frequently used apps to the Home Screen, customizing their size and placement, and deciding the functionalities you want to use. Interactive widgets have the potential to make your iPhone experience more personalized and increase your productivity.
<< photo by Razvan Mirel >>
