Widgetsmith
Free (IAPs) From Cross Forward Consulting, david-smith.org Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Needs iOS 14.0 or later Powerful, customizable iOS widgets
One of the biggest changes in iOS 14 is the introduction of widgets. Apple’s default system is fine, but clearly young and developing. If you want to go further and add your own custom widgets, get Widgetsmith.
This app hides a lot of power under a cloak of simplicity. Getting started is easy: you choose your widget size, then what its function is (a calendar, a photo stream, weather info, and more), then tweak details like colors and fonts. You can even add Timed Widgets that only activate at times you specify. When you’re done you add the widget to the home
screen using Apple’s Add Widget menu. It’s so easy to get up and running that we’re a bit surprised (and disappointed) Apple didn’t outfit iOS 14 with a widget– creation tool in the first place.
You don’t even need to pay to get most of the best features. The paid–for subscription ($1.99/month, $19.99/year) covers hosted data sources like weather and tides, which are worth paying for, plus a few exclusive widget styles and continued development of the app. Given what it does, the number of free features Widgetsmith has makes it a bargain.
Its design is a little bland, and with many screens daubed in black and white it could certainly be easier on the eyes. But its power and utility can’t be doubted. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at creating custom iOS widgets without the headaches, this is your best bet.
THE BOTTOM LINE. Widgetsmith’s clever tools help iOS 14 widgets meet their true potential. ALEX BLAKE
EXCELLENT