what is new in widgets

Apple introduced several new features and enhancements for widgets at WWDC 2024. Here are the key updates:

1. Interactive Widgets: Widgets can now include multiple interactive areas, such as buttons and toggles, allowing users to perform actions directly from the widget without opening the app. This feature is available on iOS, macOS, and now watchOS 11. For example, a home widget can let users lock or unlock their door directly from the widget (What’s new in watchOS 11).

2. Accessory Widget Group Layout: This new layout allows for more information and interactivity by accommodating up to three separate views. It supports deep linking to different parts of your app and includes button and toggle initializers to perform actions without leaving the widget (Platforms State of the Union).

3. Relevant Widgets: Widgets can now be contextually relevant, meaning the system can suggest them at the right time based on factors like time of day, location, or routine. This makes the smart stack more actionable and intelligent (What’s new in watchOS 11).

4. Live Activities on watchOS: Live activities from iOS will automatically show up on Apple Watch, allowing for real-time updates and interactions. This includes new widget families like the small supplemental activity family, which can be tailored for watchOS (What’s new in SwiftUI).

5. Controls in iOS 18: A new type of widget called "controls" has been introduced, which extends app functionality into system spaces like Control Center and the lock screen. These controls focus on quick actions and succinct information (Extend your app’s controls across the system).

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sessions:

• Platforms State of the Union
• What’s new in watchOS 11
• What’s new in SwiftUI
• Extend your app’s controls across the system