WWDC 2020 – How To Add & Customize Widgets on iOS 14.
In a recent keynote at WWDC2020, Apple plans to revisit the user interface, especially widgets. Whereas Android allows its users to move widgets anywhere on the screen, resize and interact with it. Apple seems to be approaching this differently. It might sound similar to Live Tiles on Windows Phone, but much more sophisticated and functional. So, without further ado, here’s how to add and customize widgets on iOS 14.
Read WWDC 2020 – How to Install iOS 14 on Your iPhone?
How to add widgets to the home screen
The easiest way to add a widget (just like in Android) is to long press on an empty space anywhere on your home screen. This will put you in wiggle mode. Then click the + icon in the upper left corner to open a screen with all available widgets. You can either scroll to find the widget you want, or just use the search at the top.
Unlike Android, Apple provides you with three widget sizes: small, medium, and large. This means you cannot manually extend it. However, you may see more than these basic sizing options, which are more graphical and may contain information other than generic tiles. After you select the desired widget size, click “Add Widget”, after which the widget will automatically appear on the home screen.
The best part is that you can place the widget anywhere by dragging and dropping. This automatically creates spaces for the widget and moves the icons based on their placement.
While you can place home screen widgets around app icons, you can also place multiple widgets on the widget screen (today’s screen). You can access it by continuing to swipe right across the home screen. It also gives you another way to drag and drop widgets to the home screen and vice versa.
How to change the size of the widget
Unfortunately, unlike Android, there is no way to resize the widget by stretching it at the top and sides. This means that if you used the 4 × 2 map widget, you are stuck on it. So the only option you are left with is to delete the existing widget and then add a different size for the same widget. For now there is no other way, but let’s hope that Apple can fix this problem in the final version.
How to remove the widget
Removing a widget is simple, all you have to do is press and hold the widget, which will show you a prompt to remove the widget. In the next step, tap delete widget and you’re done!
Add multiple tools using the Smart Stack feature
If you don’t want to waste a lot of screen space. Apple figured it all out. Instead of carrying widgets to the next screen, you have the option of placing widgets on top of each other. This feature is called Smart Stack. This is smart because it changes the widgets substantially to show you the most relevant information throughout the day. For example, it can show a weather widget in the morning and a to-do list during the day. To add a Smart Stack, open the New Widget Panel, scroll down to Smart Stack, then select your desired size and click Add Widget.
You can hold a specific widget to change the displayed information. For example, you can use a custom location for a weather widget, or stick to your current location
If you touch and hold on the smart stack, you also get the ability to move apps according to your preference. Alternatively, you can also turn off the smart rotation option to be able to manually control in apps.
The main disadvantage is the limitation on adding applications to the smart stack, however you are free to create your own stack. To do this, simply open the widget database, drag the widget you want to add on top of the existing one. It is a great way to compile and various applications of the same type, such as utility, entertainment, etc.
The only limitation is that you can only delete widgets of the same size.
Concluding remarks
Widgets can change the way you use your iPhone if you have tons of controls right on your home screen, so you don’t have to constantly open the app. Currently in beta, I only had the option to use Apple’s own widget. I hope other developers will be able to use this feature in the final release. Until then, we’ll keep you posted on all the features, tips and tricks, and other important Apple updates in WWDC2020.
Also read WWDC 2020 – How to Allow Limited Access to Photos on iOS 14