MacOS Sonoma, Apple brings a fresh wave of customization to your Mac desktop, making it easier than ever to stay productive and organized. One of the standout features is the ability to add widgets directly to your desktop—no longer confined to the Notification Center. These interactive widgets offer quick access to information like calendar events, weather updates, reminders, and more, all without interrupting your workflow.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about adding and managing widgets on your Mac in Sonoma. Whether you’re a longtime Mac user or new to the ecosystem, you’ll learn how to choose the right widgets, customize their appearance, and arrange them to suit your needs. Ready to give your desktop a functional and personal touch? Let’s dive in and make your Mac work smarter for you.
Mac Sonoma’s Widget Capabilities
Widgets in macOS Sonoma go beyond the traditional Dashboard-style popups. They’re now interactive, live-updating, and can be placed directly on your desktop. These widgets can display your calendar, weather, reminders, notes, and even data from compatible third-party apps—all in one glance, with no clicks needed.
Accessing the Widget Gallery
To start adding widgets, right-click on your desktop and choose “Edit Widgets.” This brings up the Widget Gallery, a curated interface that shows all available widgets categorized by app. You can scroll through, search by name, or explore suggested options based on your activity.
Adding Widgets to the Desktop
Once inside the gallery, find a widget you like. Click the “+” icon to add it to your desktop. You can drag and drop to reposition it or use the “Edit Widgets” mode to rearrange it with precision. Widgets will intelligently fade behind open windows, blending into the background when not in focus.
Customizing Widget Appearance
Widgets come in different sizes—small, medium, and large. You can select the size that suits your layout by right-clicking the widget and choosing from the size options. Some widgets also offer custom settings, like theme color or data source, which you can access via a “Customize” or “i” icon.
Using iPhone Widgets on Your Mac
One of the most exciting features in Sonoma is the ability to use iPhone widgets on your Mac. If your iPhone is nearby and on the same Apple ID and Wi-Fi network, you’ll see iPhone apps listed in the Widget Gallery. These can be added just like native Mac widgets—no installations are needed.
Read More : Mastering iPhone App Management: How to Force Close Apps
Organizing Widgets for Productivity
Consider grouping related widgets by purpose—like productivity, health, or entertainment. For instance, a top corner could hold Calendar and Reminders, while a lower area could showcase Weather and Podcasts. This spatial organization makes your desktop both beautiful and functional.
Removing or Adjusting Widgets
Don’t you need a widget anymore? Right-click and choose “Remove Widget.” To tweak its settings or change its app source, right-click and select “Edit.” You can always revisit the Widget Gallery to refresh your setup or try out new ones as they’re released.
Battery and Performance Considerations
While widgets are lightweight, having too many real-time ones can affect laptop battery life. Stick to what’s useful and avoid overlapping multiple widgets that update frequently. Sonoma is optimized for performance, but good widget hygiene ensures your system stays fast and responsive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party widgets in macOS Sonoma?
Yes, as long as the third-party app supports widgets, it will appear in the Widget Gallery.
Do I need an iPhone to use widgets on Mac?
No, native Mac widgets work independently. An iPhone only needs to be added to iPhone-specific widgets.
How do I resize a widget after placing it?
Right-click the widget and select the size option you want—small, medium, or large.
Can I add widgets to multiple desktops or Spaces?
Currently, widgets appear only on the primary desktop, not across multiple Spaces.
Will widgets stay visible when I open apps?
Widgets fade into the background when windows are active, keeping your workspace clutter-free.
How do I refresh a widget that isn’t updating?
Remove it and re-add, or right-click to find a refresh or settings option, depending on the widget.
Is there a way to lock widget positions?
At this time, macOS doesn’t offer a lock feature. Widgets can be moved freely while in Edit mode.
Do widgets work in full-screen apps or Split View?
Widgets only appear on the desktop and won’t be visible in full-screen or Split View modes.
Conclusion
Mac Sonoma’s widget system provides a smart, clean way to stay informed without opening a single app. By using a thoughtful combination of native and iPhone-compatible widgets, customizing sizes, and organizing your desktop with purpose, your Mac becomes a dynamic dashboard that keeps pace with your day. Simple setup, elegant design pure macOS magic.