iPhone Widget Stack Configurator

Design your perfect home screen + lock screen + StandBy widgets based on your daily routine. Get a personalized widget recipe.

Tell us about your routine

Your Widget Stack

Where Widgets Live (5 Locations)

LocationSizesBest for
Lock Screen1x1, 1x2, 2x1 (4 small + 1 medium)Time-of-day glance — calendar, weather, alarm
Home ScreenSmall (2x2), Medium (4x2), Large (4x4), Extra Large (4x4 stacked)Apps you open most + glanceable info
Today View (left swipe)Same as Home ScreenInformation-dense overview, swipe-away accessible
StandBy (charging horizontal)Two stacks of any sizeBedside, kitchen counter, desk dock
Apple Watch Smart StackWatch face complicationsWrist glance, hands-busy moments

Best Built-In Widgets (2026)

WidgetBest sizeWhat it shows
Calendar Up NextSmall or MediumNext 1-3 events
WeatherSmall or MediumCurrent temp + hourly
RemindersMediumToday's to-do list
Activity (Fitness)SmallMove/Exercise/Stand rings
Music / Now PlayingSmall or MediumCurrently playing track
News Top StoriesMedium or LargeHeadlines
Photos FeaturedMedium or LargeRandom recent photo memory
StocksMediumWatchlist tickers
Home (HomeKit)Small or MediumFavorite scenes / accessories
MailMediumUnread inbox count + previews
Maps NearbySmallQuick destination access
Files RecentMediumRecent iCloud files
Apple Watch BatterySmallBattery + state
Find MyMediumFamily member locations
Translate RecentMediumRecent translations

Best Third-Party Widgets

AppWidgetCost
Carrot WeatherDetailed weather + radar$5/yr Premium
Things 3Today's tasks$10 one-time
FantasticalCalendar with natural language$5/mo
StreaksHabit tracking$5 one-time
WidgetSmithCustom widget builderFree + $2/mo
WidgyAdvanced widget design$3 one-time
SoorApple Music alternative widgets$5 one-time
TotQuick scratchpad$20 one-time
PestleRecipe of the day$5/mo
StravaActivity statsFree + $80/yr
DeliveriesPackage tracking$5 one-time
SparkEmail triage widgetFree + $8/mo

Widget Stack Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add widgets to my home screen?Long-press home screen → tap "+" in top-left → choose widget → drag to position.
How do I add widgets to my lock screen?Long-press lock screen → Customize → Lock Screen → tap widget area below time.
Can I have different lock screens?Yes — multiple lock screens linked to Focus modes. Long-press lock screen → swipe right to add new.
Why can't I see live data on my widgets?Widgets update on iOS schedule (every 5-15 min, more for high-priority). Open the app to refresh now. Background App Refresh ON helps.
Are widgets battery hogs?Most are negligible. Apps with frequent updates (weather radar, real-time stocks) use slightly more.
How do I rearrange widget stack order?Tap-and-hold the widget stack → Edit Stack → drag to reorder.
Can I have the same widget twice?Yes — for example, two different Calendar accounts or two different Weather locations.
What's the difference between Smart Stack and regular stack?Smart Stack auto-rotates based on context. Regular stack is manual. Smart Stack is recommended for most users.

Apple Watch Smart Stack

watchOS 10+ added the Smart Stack to Apple Watch. Swipe up from watch face to see context-aware widgets:

Customize via Watch app → My Watch → Smart Stack.

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