Supported iOS 16 Lock Screen Widget Sizes

Apple’s iOS 16 introduced customizable Lock Screen widgets to give users glanceable information directly on their displays. Lock Screen widgets differ from Home Screen widgets and are restricted to specific placements, monochrome aesthetics, and compact dimensions. This guide details the three supported widget sizes available on the iOS 16 Lock Screen, their design requirements, and how they fit into the available screen space.

1. Inline Widget (accessoryInline)

  • Placement: Located directly above the digital clock, integrated alongside or replacing the date.
  • Format: A single, horizontal line of compact text, often accompanied by an SF Symbol or small glyph.
  • Capacity: Only one inline widget can be placed in this slot.
  • Common Uses: Current weather conditions, next calendar event name, fitness goals, or stock tickers.

2. Circular Widget (accessoryCircular)

  • Placement: Located in the widget tray directly below the digital clock.
  • Format: A small circular frame ideal for displaying discrete values, status indicators, or progress metrics.
  • Capacity: Each circular widget takes up one space in the four-unit tray below the clock.
  • Common Uses: Apple Watch activity rings, device battery percentage, sunrise/sunset times, or single-metric progress rings.

3. Rectangular Widget (accessoryRectangular)

  • Placement: Located in the widget tray directly below the digital clock.
  • Format: A wider, rounded rectangular block capable of displaying multiple lines of text, small bar graphs, or mini lists.
  • Capacity: Each rectangular widget occupies two spaces in the four-unit tray below the clock.
  • Common Uses: Multi-day weather forecasts, upcoming reminder lists, headline news snippets, or detailed calendar schedules.

Lock Screen Tray Space Limitations

The primary widget area below the clock operates on a 4-slot grid system:

  • Four Circular Widgets: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 slots.
  • Two Rectangular Widgets: 2 + 2 slots.
  • One Rectangular and Two Circular Widgets: 2 + 1 + 1 slots (in any order).

Widgets cannot be placed outside these designated zones on the iOS 16 Lock Screen.