iOS 8 App Widgets: How They Function and Why They Matter

Yesterday's update to iOS 8 brought a wealth of new features and capabilities for both users and developers. Among the most exciting additions is the introduction of third-party app widgets within the Notification Center. In this article, we'll explore what these widgets are, how they work, and whether they are useful for you.

Discussions about the need for widgets in iOS had been ongoing for years, but Apple consistently resisted the idea. However, following Steve Jobs' passing, the company began evolving, including its approach to mobile OS features. On June 2, Craig Federighi announced from the Moscone West stage a long-awaited feature: the ability to install third-party app widgets.

However, iOS 8 widgets differ fundamentally from those on Android. While Android places widgets directly on home screens alongside app icons, Apple allocated a dedicated space for them in the “Today” tab of the Notification Center. The iOS home screen ideology remains unchanged, still reserved exclusively for app shortcuts.

The distinction isn't just about placement but also functionality. On Android, widgets can act as fully functional mini-applications, allowing users to perform core app tasks directly. In contrast, iOS 8 widgets mainly provide informational displays related to their respective apps, with limited interactive capabilities.

There are exceptions, though. For example, developers behind ProWidgets, previously available only on jailbroken devices, released an official pack for iOS 8. These are pure widgets—not full apps—with advanced functionality. Users can customize numerous settings, view upcoming tasks and events, and check the weather. Another standout is Paste+, a sophisticated clipboard manager. A detailed review of this pack is forthcoming.

What about widgets linked to apps? For instance, the Wunderlist widget displays your tasks for the day, while Sports.ru offers the latest sports news. Day One shows statistics of your journal entries and a random photo, Dropbox lets you view recently uploaded files, and Evernote provides quick note creation options. However, none allow full app functionality without opening the app itself. Below is a gallery showcasing current examples of iOS 8 app widgets:

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Yes, you can mark completed tasks in Wunderlist, but adding new tasks or editing existing ones is not supported. Evernote shortcuts prompt you to open the app to create notes, and tapping a Sports.ru news item opens it within the app. Therefore, the primary role of iOS 8 widgets is not to replace apps but to complement them. ProWidgets remains a notable exception.

To enable the widgets you want, simply tap the “Edit” button in the Today tab of the Notification Center. From there, you can add or remove widgets and rearrange their order to suit your preferences.

For quick tasks such as checking your schedule, viewing the upcoming weather, or catching up on the latest news, iOS 8 widgets are perfectly suited. While they don't fully replace apps, they reduce the frequency of app launches. Personally, I appreciate this approach — Apple delivered a highly requested feature while staying true to their design philosophy. The widgets integrate seamlessly into the system, occupying what I believe is the most appropriate space.

What are your thoughts?

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