iOS 15 Contacts Widget New Features

Apple introduced a dedicated Contacts widget in iOS 15, giving users direct access to their favorite people directly from the Home Screen. This update allows users to choose from three different widget sizes, communicate with contacts in a single tap, track their shared locations via Find My, and view recent interactions and shared media seamlessly.

Multiple Widget Sizes

iOS 15 introduced three distinct layout options for the Contacts widget:

  • Small: Displays a single contact for quick, focused interaction.
  • Medium: Displays four contacts arranged in a horizontal grid.
  • Large: Displays six contacts along with expanded details and direct action options.

Direct Communication Shortcuts

Tapping a contact within the widget opens a condensed contact card featuring quick-action buttons. Depending on the information saved for that person, you can instantly:

  • Send an iMessage or SMS
  • Place a phone call
  • Start a FaceTime video or audio call
  • Send an email

Find My Location Integration

If a contact is actively sharing their location with you via the Find My app, the Contacts widget can display their real-time location. Tapping the contact card reveals their current address or proximity, along with a map preview, eliminating the need to open the dedicated Find My app.

Contextual "Shared with You" and Media Access

The widget card integrates with Apple's "Shared with You" framework. When expanding a contact from the widget, you can see recent interactions and content that the person sent you, including:

  • Links shared in Messages
  • Photos and shared albums
  • Shared calendar events and upcoming meetings
  • Recent email threads

Widget Customization

Users can customize the Contacts widget at any time. By long-pressing the widget and selecting Edit Widget, you can manually choose which contacts appear, change their order, and toggle whether location information should be visible on the card.