X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out new iOS widgets for its app, offering users the ability to pin key sections of the service directly to their Home Screen and Lock Screen. This eliminates the need to open the app repeatedly to stay updated on what’s trending or check your notifications.
The update, which began rolling out in mid-December 2025, is tied to the latest X app update on iPhone and iPad. Here’s what you can expect from the new widgets:
Home Screen Widget
The X News Highlights widget for the Home Screen shows a short list of trending headlines from the platform. By tapping on a headline, users can instantly jump to the related topic within X. The widget is available in three sizes:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
These options allow you to customize the widget’s presence on your Home Screen based on your preference for space and information display.
Lock Screen Widgets and Grok Shortcuts
The new Lock Screen widgets are designed to provide quick, glanceable information and provide shortcuts for easy access to key sections of the app. Here are the main options currently available:
- X Notifications: Displays your notification count.
- X Messages: Shows your unread messages count in X Chat.
- Grok: A widget that takes you directly into Grok Chat.
- Grok Voice: A widget that jumps you into voice conversations.
These widgets offer convenience for quick updates, especially for frequent users of X’s messaging and notification system.
How to Add the Widgets
Adding the Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets is easy. Follow these steps:
To Add the Home Screen Widget:
- Press and hold an empty area on your Home Screen.
- Tap the + button.
- Search for X.
- Choose the X News Highlights widget, then pick your preferred size.
- Tap Add Widget and place it where you want it.
To Add Lock Screen Widgets:
- Press and hold your Lock Screen.
- Tap Customize.
- Tap the widget area under the clock.
- Search for X.
- Add your preferred widget (Notifications, Messages, or Grok).
Why This Feels Overdue
Apple first teased Twitter-style Home Screen widgets during the iOS 14 preview at WWDC 2020, but the feature never materialized at that time. The release of X widgets now closes a significant gap, providing functionality that many users have been waiting for.
X also aims to reclaim its role as the go-to platform for real-time updates, though recent changes to the platform—such as increased spam, low-quality AI content, and misinformation—mean that the usefulness of the headlines widget depends on maintaining trustworthy content.
Conclusion
With the rollout of iOS widgets for news, notifications, messages, and Grok, X is enhancing its utility and improving the user experience on iOS devices. The widgets offer more convenience and customization, allowing users to access key information without opening the app. If you’re an X user, these new widgets could make your daily interactions with the platform even smoother.
