Home Widget for HomeKit Shows the Power of Interactive Widgets in iOS 17

While Apple’s stock Home app features interactive widgets, HomeWidget takes HomeKit control to a new level.

The customization options are easily one of the best features of the app. Pretty much anything you can imagine can be fine tuned to how you like it. To begin, you’ll create a panel to control smart home devices. There are a wide variety of sizes available.

Once that’s complete, you can pick exactly what smart home action to place in the panel—everything from lock a door to turn off lights. You can select a specific name for the action and even an icon.

Each panel can then be customized with a color, transparency, and blur.

With a recent update, the app is even better as now you can control devices directly from a lock screen or home screen widget. There’s no need to open up the app.

Integrated dimmers in your home can also be used with the interactive widgets. With that feature, you can control the intensity or color of your lights from the widget itself. For additional security, you can require a confirmation before proceeding.

Instead of needing to refresh the widget by opening up the app, you can do that directly from the widget itself.

The update also supports the iOS 17 StandBy mode so you can interact and control smart home devices while your iPhone is idle and charging.

Anyone with shades or rolling shutters can now also choose the precise position from a widget.

HomeWidget is a free download on the App Store now. It’s for the iPhone and all iPad models.

The free version limits users to 10 actions per day and the maximum number of panels and actions.

To unlock unlimited use, you’ll need a subscription of $0.49 per month or $4.99 per year. You can also unlock a lifetime licenses for $9.99.