Google has updated its flagship iPhone apps with support for home screen widgets, a new feature of iOS 14. Google announced today it’s rolling out new widgets for Gmail, Google Drive, Google Fit and soon, Google Calendar and Google Chrome, in order to put useful information on the home screen or to provide quick access to common tasks. The company had already launched a widget for its Google Search app back in September.
Some of the new widgets look more useful than others. For instance, the one that comes with Google Fit looks great. Not only does it let you see the progress you’re making toward your daily step and heart points goals, but it also provides you with a weekly breakdown of your activity.
The Gmail widget looks like it could use some work. As you can see from the screenshot Google shared, you can use its new widget to search your inbox and start composing an email. It also shows a count of your unread messages, which is something you can already see if you glance at the app icon.
Google Drive iOS widget includes quick access to files and a search bar. The Google Fit widget makes it easy to track your activity, including Heart Points and Steps, from the home screen.
The anticipated Google Calendar widget is not yet out, but Google today offered a look at what’s to come. The widget looks a lot like a mini calendar, with the day’s appointments, stacked and color-code for easy reading. A tap will bring you to your full calendar, as well.
You can add the Gmail, Drive and Fit widgets to your iPhone and iPad home screen starting today. The Calendar one will be available sometime in the next few weeks, while the Chrome one will make its way to everyone sometime next year though you can try by installing the beta on your phone.
