Since macOS Sonona, Apple has made some changes regarding widgets. From the mentioned software, the widgets are interactive, you can place them on the desktop and you even have the option to use your iPhone widgets on a Mac.
The ability to add interactive widgets to the desktop, something we remember from the old ‘Dashboard’. All widgets blend seamlessly into the background when you’re working in an app, so they don’t distract you. We explain how they work.
Interactive widgets
Under iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, Apple adds the option for interactive widgets. This means that users can perform an action with just one tap or click. For example, consider turning on the lights, playing a song, or marking a reminder as completed.
With the updates in the WidgetKit, developers can also make their own widgets interactive. In previous versions, the widgets were just a view and the associated app opened as soon as you clicked on it.
Widgets on the desktop
Apple adds the option to add interactive widgets to the desktop, something we remember from the old ‘Dashboard’. All widgets blend seamlessly into the background when you’re working in an app, so they don’t distract you.
When you open a window, macOS will automatically make the widgets transparent so they are less annoying. Click on the desktop to temporarily display it without widgets or windows.
Place widgets on desktop
- Click on the time in the menu bar
- The Today overview with widgets opens
- Click on ‘Change widgets’
- Drag the desired widget to the desktop
- Release at the desired location
Of course you can also add widgets to your desktop that are not in the Today overview. In this view, scroll down and click Change Widgets. Choose the app you want and then drag the widget to the desktop.
iPhone widgets on a Mac
Thanks to the magic of Continuity, you can also use all kinds of iPhone widgets on your Mac. This means that any widgets you have installed on your iPhone or iPad, running iOS 17, iPadOS 17 or newer, will also be available on your Mac. This way you can still use the widgets of certain apps on a Mac, even if there is no macOS app available for this. You can find these widgets under ‘Change widgets’ in the Today overview.