Widget
A widget is a small view of an app that lives on the home screen or lock screen and shows timely, glanceable content. Some widgets carry interactive elements.
Why it matters
A widget is seen far more often than the app is opened, so it works only when it gives one useful thing at a glance.
It adapts to a context and a size, so it is designed per size and not scaled from one.
Widget on iOS and Android
Also called Home screen widget, App widget, Lock screen widget. The same idea in each system, with the values Appetite UI gives it.
| Value | iOS | Android | Appetite UI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Widgets: system families and accessory widgets | App widgets | Not drawn |
| Sizes | Small accessory widgets up to extra large system families on iPad | Sized by the app widget guide (page not read for figures) | See below |
| Interaction | System family widgets may include interactive elements | Widgets can be configured and updated | See below |
In Appetite UI
The kit does not draw widgets. The closest it comes is the Dynamic Island and Live Activity components on iOS.
Example
A weather widget on the home screen shows the temperature and the next hour, and the lock screen version shows only the temperature.
Common mistakes
- Scaling one design to every size.
- Too much content for a glance.
- A widget that only opens the app with no content of its own.
- Ignoring light and dark and tinted contexts.
Questions
What is a widget?
A small view of an app on the home screen, lock screen or other surfaces that displays timely content at a glance.
Can widgets be interactive?
On Apple platforms system family widgets may include one or more interactive elements.
Sources
The pages the facts above rest on, each read October 30, 2026.