Widgets have been available on the iPhone since iOS 14, but if you’re not using them much, you’re not alone. While Android users have been using widgets for a long time, it’s a fresher experience for iPhone users, so you may not know where to start with widgets.
Keeping updated on current events is one of the best uses of widgets, but which should you pick? We’ve got several options, depending on where you like to get your news and what exactly it is you’re looking for news about. This isn’t an exhaustive list of every option, but it will get you pointed in the right direction.
We’ll start with one of the most obvious. By default, Apple News is installed on your iPhone, along with its widget. If you’re only looking for the latest headlines, you don’t even need to customize the app, just wait for it to pull the latest news for your area.
That said, if you’re looking for a more custom news feed, Apple News is quite capable. The app lets you select your various interests and the type of news you want to see. Now, this will be reflected in the widgets, which show the “For You” feed by default.
Customize your feeds, and you can get news on everything from the biggest headlines to your favorite sports. The only downside is that some features require an Apple News+ subscription.
Google News
Even if you’re not a big fan of the Google ecosystem, Google News is a great source for the latest news on almost anything. As with any widgets on iOS, before you can use the widget, you’ll need to download the app from the App Store.
By default, Google News will offer up top stories. Assuming you use the Google News website, you may have already customized your interests. If you haven’t, you can always do so within the Google News app to customize the information you’ll see in the widget.
In addition to major headlines, Google News is capable of providing local news, sports information, and deeper dives into major stories with multiple perspectives and sources.
The New York Times
The above two apps gather news from all over the internet, which is often exactly what you’re looking for. That said, if you’re the type that prefers to follow one publication, the New York Times widget is one of the best options available.
Unlike the other apps on this list, some features of the New York Times app require a subscription, starting at $14.99 per month via in-app purchase. That said, you can also use it without even setting up an account, so you can take the app and its widget for a test run before you commit to a subscription.
The widget displays breaking news, live blogs, feature stories and more. The widget only displays two headlines at a time, but it does a good job focusing on the most important at any given time.
Sports Alerts
What if you aren’t looking for breaking news in general, but want to keep tabs on what’s happening in the sports you follow? The widget included with the Sports Alerts is one of the best if you take your sports seriously.
Reading the App Store reviews of Sports Alerts, you’ll notice that the widget is often the main draw for people using the app. This makes perfect sense, as the widget can display live scores, stats, and information for a wide array of sports on the widget, all at the same time.
The app follows MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, CFL, soccer, tennis, golf, NCAA football, and basketball among others.
Flipboard
Flipboard is a popular content aggregation app that’s designed to provide users with a personalized reading experience. The app acts like a personalized magazine, curating content based on your interests. Whether you’re into technology, fashion, politics, or cooking, Flipboard gathers articles, videos, and podcasts from various sources to create a feed tailored to you.
One of Flipboard’s standout features is its beautiful and intuitive design. The app mimics the experience of flipping through a physical magazine, with smooth page-turning animations and an elegant layout. It’s a visually pleasing way to consume content on your iPhone.
You can follow specific topics, sources, or even individual writers on Flipboard. This customization ensures that your feed is filled with content that resonates with you. From major news outlets to niche blogs, you have control over what appears in your Flipboard.
The Athletic is known for its detailed and insightful coverage of sports. From the NFL and NBA to college sports and soccer, the app provides analysis, commentary, and reporting that goes beyond the headlines.
One of the standout features of The Athletic is its ad-free experience. Subscribers can enjoy reading articles, watching videos, and listening to podcasts without any interruptions from advertisements.
You can customize your feed in The Athletic app to follow your favorite teams, leagues, and writers. This personalization ensures that you see the content that matters most to you, whether you’re a die-hard fan of a specific team or interested in a particular sport.
Feedly is a popular news aggregator app that allows users to organize and follow their favorite blogs, websites, and online publications. Available on the iPhone, Feedly offers a streamlined way to stay informed and engaged with the content that matters most.
Feedly allows you to create categories and add feeds from various sources, including blogs, news sites, YouTube channels, and more. Whether you’re interested in tech, fashion, politics, or hobbies, you can organize your content in a way that makes sense to you.
Found an interesting article but don’t have time to read it now? You can save it for later in Feedly. You can also easily share content with friends or on social media, making it simple to spread the word about something you enjoyed.
Reeder for iPhone is a robust and elegant RSS reader that offers a seamless way to follow and enjoy online content. Its blend of design, functionality, and integration makes it a popular choice among those who value a quality reading experience.
The app offers a clean and intuitive interface that makes reading articles a pleasure. With its minimalist design and smooth navigation, it provides a distraction-free environment to enjoy your favorite content. If you come across an interesting article but don’t have time to read it, you can save it for later in Reeder. The app also offers bookmarking features, allowing you to keep track of articles you want to reference or revisit.
Reeder provides customization options to tailor the reading experience to your preferences. You can choose different themes, fonts, and layouts to create a reading environment that suits your taste. Unlike some RSS readers that require a subscription, Reeder offers a one-time purchase for the app. This gives you access to all features without any recurring fees.
Reddit is home to thousands of communities, known as subreddits, covering virtually every topic imaginable. From gaming and movies to cooking and personal finance, the Reddit app allows you to explore and join these communities with ease.
Your Reddit feed is personalized based on the subreddits you follow and the content you engage with. Whether you’re into memes, news, hobbies, or academic subjects, your feed will reflect your interests. Reddit’s trending tab showcases content that’s popular across the platform. It’s a great way to discover new subreddits and see what’s resonating with the broader Reddit community.
Stay connected to your favorite communities with notifications and alerts. You can receive updates on new posts, replies to your comments, and other interactions, ensuring you never miss a beat.
Kris Wouk is a writer, musician, and whatever it’s called when someone makes videos for the web. He’s an Apple nerd with a fondness for hi-res audio and home theater gear.
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