Mac desktop widgets can make a Mac feel more connected to iPhone, especially for users who rely on iPhone apps that do not have full Mac versions. With macOS Sonoma or later, compatible iPhone widgets can appear directly on the Mac desktop or in Notification Center, even when the matching iPhone app is not installed on the Mac.
The feature works through Continuity. Apple says iPhone widgets on Mac require a Mac running macOS Sonoma 14 or later and an iPhone running iOS 17 or later. The devices must use the same Apple Account, and the iPhone needs to be nearby or on the same Wi-Fi network for its widgets to be available on the Mac.
That makes the feature especially useful for apps people use on iPhone every day but do not want to install, manage, or open separately on Mac. A widget can keep information visible on the desktop while the Mac remains the main workspace.
Mac Desktop Widgets From iPhone Apps
Desktop widgets on Mac can be added from the widget gallery. The gallery shows available Mac widgets and, when the feature is enabled, compatible widgets from iPhone apps as well. These can be placed on the desktop or added to Notification Center.
To turn on iPhone widgets on Mac:
System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets > Use iPhone Widgets
After the setting is enabled, widgets can be added from the desktop:
Control-click the desktop > Edit Widgets > Choose a Widget > Drag It to the Desktop
They can also be added from Notification Center:
Click Date and Time in the Menu Bar > Edit Widgets > Choose a Widget
The feature does not mean every iPhone app will appear on the Mac. Developers need to offer compatible widgets, and some widgets may work better than others depending on the app. Apple’s Continuity support page says the Mac does not need the corresponding app installed to use an iPhone widget, which is the main advantage for users who want quick information without duplicating apps across devices.
For apps that already have Mac versions, users may see both Mac and iPhone widget options. In those cases, the Mac-native widget is often the better choice because it can open the related Mac app directly and may feel more integrated. iPhone widgets are most useful when the app lives primarily on iPhone.
How iPhone Widgets Behave on Mac
iPhone widgets on Mac are designed for glanceable information and light interaction. Some widgets can update information, run simple controls, or open related actions, but they are not full iPhone apps running on the Mac desktop.
When a widget needs deeper interaction, the Mac may ask the user to continue on iPhone. That is expected behavior. The widget can show useful information on the Mac, but the full app experience may still remain on the iPhone.
This distinction is important for setting expectations. A package tracking widget may show delivery status, a fitness widget may show progress, and a finance or task widget may show a quick snapshot. But tapping into a detailed view, changing advanced settings, or opening the full app may require the iPhone.
Widgets can be moved, resized, and customized like other Mac widgets. Some widgets offer different sizes, and many can be edited after they are placed on the desktop.
To edit a widget:
Control-click the Widget > Edit Widget
To remove a widget:
Control-click the Widget > Remove Widget
Apple also lets users control how widgets appear on the desktop. Widgets can fade into the background when another app is active, helping them stay visible without overwhelming the workspace.
To adjust widget appearance:
System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets > Widget Style
Best Uses for iPhone Widgets on Mac
The best iPhone widgets for Mac are the ones that provide information without requiring constant clicks. Weather, calendar, reminders, package tracking, home controls, habit trackers, battery widgets, travel apps, finance snapshots, and health-related summaries can all make sense on a Mac desktop when supported.
This is useful for people who keep their Mac open for long work sessions but still rely on iPhone for everyday apps. A widget can show a small piece of information without forcing the user to pick up the phone, unlock it, and open an app.
The feature also works well with Apple’s own ecosystem. Reminders, Calendar, Weather, Notes, Home, and other Apple apps already have strong widget support on Mac. Adding iPhone widget availability simply expands the range of information that can live on the desktop.
For a cleaner setup, users should avoid filling the desktop with too many widgets. A few useful widgets near the edge of the screen can help; a crowded desktop can quickly become visual noise. The best arrangement is usually one or two rows of widgets for information that changes throughout the day.
Mac and iPhone Continuity Requirements
If iPhone widgets do not appear on the Mac, the first step is to check the basics. The Mac must be running macOS Sonoma 14 or later, and the iPhone must be running iOS 17 or later. Both devices must use the same Apple Account.
The iPhone also needs to be nearby or connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be enabled, because Continuity features depend on nearby-device communication across Apple hardware.
To check the Mac software version:
Apple Menu > System Settings > General > About
To check iPhone software:
Settings > General > About
If the devices are updated and signed in correctly, users should confirm that iPhone widgets are enabled in Desktop & Dock settings. Opening the widget gallery again after enabling the setting can refresh the available options.
Some missing widgets may simply not be supported. Not every iPhone app offers a widget, and not every widget is available for use on Mac. Updating the iPhone app can help if the developer has added newer widget support.
A Small Feature That Makes the Mac Feel More Personal
Mac desktop widgets from iPhone apps are most useful when they reduce small interruptions. A user can keep a delivery update, task list, smart home control, or app status visible on the Mac without turning the iPhone into a second screen that constantly pulls attention away.
The setup also shows how Apple is making Continuity less about large handoff moments and more about small pieces of context moving across devices. The iPhone still holds many of the apps people use every day, but the Mac can now display some of that app information directly on the desktop.
For users who already organize their iPhone around widgets, bringing a few of those same tools to the Mac can make the desktop feel more familiar. It keeps the Mac focused as a work machine while letting selected iPhone app information sit quietly in view.
