iOS 14 allows users to customize the iPhone's home screen more than ever before with widgets. Here's how to do it.

Mary MeisenzahlSep 21, 2020, 23:54 IST

iOS 14.Apple

Apple just released iOS 14, the newest software update for iPhones.
Adding widgets to customize iPhone home screens was one of the most anticipated updates.
Widget creation apps currently hold the top three free app positions in the App Store.

Apple just released iOS 14, with some major updates to home screen organization, plus all kinds of improvements to Messages, Siri, and more.

Changes to widgets are the newest and easiest way to customize the home screen in ways that were previously exclusive to Android users. They can be different sizes and pinned to the home screen for easy access.

The new customizations were immediately well-received by iPhone users. Some apps allow further customization of different widgets, and they've immediately shot up in popularity.

The top three free apps in the App Store are all widget editors, even beating out popular social video app TikTok. Soon after iOS 14 was available to all users, videos quickly popped up showing people how to make their screens "aesthetic."

Changing your home screen with widgets is relatively simple. Here's how to do it.

To start, hold down a long press anywhere on the home screen until all the apps start bouncing slightly.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

Tap the plus button in the upper left-hand corner.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

This will bring up a screen with widget options based on Apple and third-party apps on the phone that have widgets.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

Several built-in apps come with widget options, like Music, Clock, and Weather.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

Selecting the batteries option, for example, brings up a sample of what the widget would look like in small, medium, or large. Scroll between the options, and if one looks good tap "Add Widget."

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

Selecting the batteries option, for example, brings up a sample of what the widget would look like in small, medium, or large. Scroll between the options, and if one looks good tap "Add Widget."

I added the medium-size battery widget, so I can quickly check out the levels of my phone and AirPods while I work.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

The other way to add widgets is through a third-party app like WidgetSmith, now the top free app in the App Store. WidgetSmith's options encompass basics like calendar, health, and weather, although some require a premium version of the app.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

The other way to add widgets is through a third-party app like WidgetSmith, now the top free app in the App Store. WidgetSmith's options encompass basics like calendar, health, and weather, although some require a premium version of the app.

WidgetSmith has far more customization options than native Apple widgets. In both, you can select which size you prefer.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

WidgetSmith also allows users to choose from different types of displays and fonts.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

With text and background color options too, there are hundreds of potential combinations.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

Adding widgets from WidgetSmith works exactly the same as adding others. Long press, tap the plus button and then select the widget creation.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

You aren't stuck with the first widgets you add, either. To edit or remove them, just treat them like an app with a long press.

Widgets. Mary Meisenzahl

Of course, half the point of customizing the home screen is to show it off.

People embraced all sorts of aesthetics to make phone screens their own.

Some people posted about spending hours redesigning their screens.

I didn't spend hours, but I did make my home screen easier to use and a little better to look at.

Mary Meisenzahl

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iOS 14 allows users to customize the iPhone's home screen more than ever before with widgets. Here's how to do it.

To start, hold down a long press anywhere on the home screen until all the apps start bouncing slightly.

Tap the plus button in the upper left-hand corner.

This will bring up a screen with widget options based on Apple and third-party apps on the phone that have widgets.

Several built-in apps come with widget options, like Music, Clock, and Weather.

Selecting the batteries option, for example, brings up a sample of what the widget would look like in small, medium, or large. Scroll between the options, and if one looks good tap "Add Widget."

I added the medium-size battery widget, so I can quickly check out the levels of my phone and AirPods while I work.

The other way to add widgets is through a third-party app like WidgetSmith, now the top free app in the App Store. WidgetSmith's options encompass basics like calendar, health, and weather, although some require a premium version of the app.

WidgetSmith has far more customization options than native Apple widgets. In both, you can select which size you prefer.

WidgetSmith also allows users to choose from different types of displays and fonts.

With text and background color options too, there are hundreds of potential combinations.

Adding widgets from WidgetSmith works exactly the same as adding others. Long press, tap the plus button and then select the widget creation.

You aren't stuck with the first widgets you add, either. To edit or remove them, just treat them like an app with a long press.

Of course, half the point of customizing the home screen is to show it off.

People embraced all sorts of aesthetics to make phone screens their own.

Some people posted about spending hours redesigning their screens.

I didn't spend hours, but I did make my home screen easier to use and a little better to look at.