X Brings Live News and AI to Your iPhone Home Screen with New iOS Widgets

X has finally launched widgets for its iOS app. The update enables iPhone users to add live content directly to their Home and Lock Screens. The rollout happened this week, bringing long-promised functionality to Apple devices.

Apple initially teased Twitter widgets four years ago at a developer conference. According to a report from Macworld, the feature never materialized until now. The new tools aim to push real-time updates and AI access straight to users.

What the New X Widgets Offer iPhone Users

The Home screen offers a single widget type called “X News Highlights.” It displays trending headlines from the social platform. The widget is available in small, medium, and large sizes for customization.

Lock Screen widgets provide more specific functions. One widget shows a live notification count. Another displays the number of unread messages in X’s encrypted chat feature.

Two additional widgets focus on the platform’s Grok AI. Users can start a text chat or launch a voice conversation directly from their Lock Screen. This places the AI assistant just a tap away.

Widgets Arrive Amid Platform Reliability Concerns

X was once the definitive source for breaking news. Changes under owner Elon Musk have altered that perception. Critics note the platform now struggles with misinformation and AI-generated content.

The new widgets try to reclaim that real-time information role. They surface trending news directly to a user’s most viewed screen. This move could drive more frequent engagement with the app itself.

Analysts see this as an attempt to improve utility. Making core features more accessible may offset other user frustrations. The success will depend on the quality of content the widgets surface.

The launch of X iOS widgets represents a significant interface shift. It brings the platform’s chaotic news cycle and AI tools into immediate view. Whether this enhances the user experience or adds to the noise remains to be seen.

Info at your fingertips

What do the new X widgets do?

The widgets show trending news on your Home Screen. They also display notification counts and unread messages on your Lock Screen. Two widgets provide quick access to the Grok AI assistant.

Are the X widgets available on Android?

This initial announcement covers only the iOS app. There is no official word yet on an Android release. The development follows an Apple-specific tease from 2020.

How do I add an X widget to my iPhone?

Long-press on your Home or Lock Screen to enter jiggle mode. Tap the “+” button in the top corner. Search for “X” and select your preferred widget size and style.

Why is this widget release significant?

It fulfills a feature promised by Apple and Twitter years ago. It also represents X’s push to be a primary news and AI hub. Placing it on the Home Screen prioritizes it over other apps.

Does the “News Highlights” widget show personalized trends?

Reports indicate it displays generally trending headlines on X. It does not appear to be curated for individual users. The content is the same for everyone in a given region.