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To create an aesthetic iPhone widget, choose a visual style and useful content, configure a widget in iOS or a customization app, then add it through the iPhone’s widget picker. Native widgets are the simplest option; an app such as Widgetsmith adds controls for themes and photos.
Choose a look and a purpose
Start with one color palette and decide what you want the widget to show: a photo, calendar, clock, weather, activity, reminder, or countdown. A consistent palette and a small number of complementary widgets usually make a Home Screen feel more coordinated than styling every tile differently.
Apple’s widgets surface timely information on the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or Today View. You can use a built-in app’s widget without installing anything, or use a custom-widget app when you want more control over backgrounds, fonts, or artwork.
Choose native widgets or a customization app
| Approach | What it offers | Setup | Limits and costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS widgets | Widgets from supported apps, plus stacks and Smart Stacks. | Add them from the iOS widget picker. | Visual options depend on each app’s widget. Apple’s instructions cover placement and layout, not custom themes. |
| Widgetsmith | Its own themes and photo-based widgets, alongside content such as calendars and reminders. | Configure or name a widget in the app, then add its widget through the iOS picker and select the configured design if prompted. | Widgetsmith says most features are free; its FAQ lists Premium at $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year with a seven-day trial. These are vendor-reported terms and may change. See Widgetsmith’s FAQ. |
These options serve different needs; available evidence does not establish that one is better for everyone. Apple documents native controls, while Widgetsmith describes its own customization features. The App Store also has an Apple editorial collection of customization apps, but it is not a comparative test or proof that any app is best.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Configure a photo or themed widget
In Widgetsmith, choose an existing widget or create one, then open its Aesthetic or Theme controls. The app’s FAQ describes options for backgrounds, fonts, tint, borders, and artwork; some artwork may require Premium. For a photo widget, choose a static photo or album and allow the photo-library access the app requests. You can reposition and scale the photo within the widget.
Widgetsmith says its widgets can work with photos, Apple Music, calendars, reminders, and—if you grant the requested permissions—Apple Health. The app lists weather and tide data as Premium features. Check the app’s current listing and settings for availability, since features can change. Visit Widgetsmith’s product site.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Add a widget to your Home Screen
- Touch and hold an empty area of the Home Screen until the apps jiggle.
- Tap Edit, then Add Widget. Depending on the iOS version, the add control may appear as a button instead.
- Find and select the app whose widget you want.
- Swipe through the available sizes, choose one, and tap to add it.
- Move the widget into position and tap Done.
For a custom Widgetsmith design, first create or name the widget inside Widgetsmith. After adding the app’s widget through the iOS picker, tap the placed widget and select the configured widget if prompted. That second selection connects the iOS widget tile to the design you made in the app.
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Lock Screen widgets use a separate customization flow and require iOS 16 or later. Touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap Customize, then tap Add Widgets. Tap or drag a supported widget into an available area and tap Done. Space is limited; remove an existing widget if the one you want does not fit. Apple’s iPhone guide to adding, editing, and removing widgets covers the native controls.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Combine style and utility with stacks
A stack lets you use several widgets in the space of one Home Screen position. Apple allows up to 10 widgets in a user-created stack. Smart Stacks can also rotate widgets based on context such as time, location, or activity, so useful information can appear without keeping every widget visible at once.
To make a stack, add widgets of the same size and drag one onto another. Swipe through the stack to view its widgets. For a Smart Stack, add one from the widget picker; you can edit the stack later to change its contents or rotation settings. Apple’s widget guide explains current stack editing controls.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Troubleshoot a blank or grey widget
- Check the app’s configuration: For Widgetsmith, confirm that the selected custom widget still exists and that the placed widget points to it.
- Review photo access: If a photo widget is empty, check that the app has permission to access the selected photo or album.
- Restart the iPhone: Widgetsmith’s FAQ suggests restarting when a widget appears blank or grey. These are the developer’s troubleshooting suggestions; other display problems may have different causes.
Know the design limits
Widgetsmith describes iPhone widget sizes as small, medium, and large, and says iOS widgets do not support animated GIFs or video. Those constraints shape the design: use a still image, keep text legible at the chosen size, and check the final appearance on the Home Screen or Lock Screen where it will be used.
Widgetsmith announced Action Widgets for iOS 18 in a September 16, 2024 post, describing actions such as launching an app, running a Shortcut, calling, texting, or playing music from supported widget locations. That announcement documents a version-specific release, not a guarantee of current availability. Check the app’s current listing before relying on those actions. Read the Widgetsmith version 7 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
