Which features of WidgetKits were added after iOS 14?

Generated on 8/5/2024

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After iOS 14, several new features were added to WidgetKit. Here are some of the key additions:

  1. Interactive Widgets: These allow users to interact with widgets directly without having to launch the app. Multiple tap targets can be added to a single widget to execute actions (What’s new in watchOS 11).

  2. Accessory Widget Group Layout: This layout supports displaying multiple kinds of content or app intents in a single widget, making the smart stack more actionable and intelligent (What’s new in watchOS 11).

  3. Relevant Widgets: These widgets allow the system to suggest your widget to users at the right time based on context such as time of day, location, and routine (What’s new in watchOS 11).

  4. Controls: Introduced in iOS 18, controls are a new type of widget that extends app functionality into system spaces like the control center, lock screen, and action button. They focus on actions and succinct information (Extend your app’s controls across the system).

  5. Expanded Capabilities in watchOS: Interactive widgets can now be brought to watchOS using the same APIs as iOS and macOS. This includes support for multiple interactive areas that perform actions and update state directly in the widget (Platforms State of the Union).

These enhancements make widgets more interactive, contextually relevant, and integrated across different Apple devices and system spaces.

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