WWDC 2026 - WidgetKit Foundations: A Practical Guide for Developers

Short summary

WidgetKit runs in a separate process; use app group containers for data sharing between app and extension. Design widgets around Glanceable (instant understanding), Relevant (contextual), and Personalizable (user-configurable) principles. Choose reload policies (.atEnd, .afterDate, .never) based on data refresh needs to optimize battery and system budgets.

• •WidgetKit extensions use separate processes; share data via app group containers or UserDefaults
• •Design around three principles: Glanceable (instant understanding), Relevant (contextual), Personalizable (configurable)
• •Reload policy (.atEnd/.afterDate/.never) determines efficiency; provide multiple timeline entries to minimize refresh cycles

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.