iOS allows you to create smart widget stacks. It is possible to let Apple drive the behavior or create your own. Here's how.

Even after the release of iOS 15, a very nice feature on iPhone remains the ability to place widgets on the home screen. If you haven't done so yet, feel free to download and install iOS 15. Once done, get ready to completely revamp your home screen, enjoy a new pseudo folder for apps called apps and seeing widgets all over the place.

Apple's signature widget is titled Smart Stack, it combines multiple app widgets that you can scroll through or let your iPhone decide which app to show you when, based on your browsing habits. smartphone use.

For example, if you usually check the weather and then your calendar as soon as you wake up, the Smart Stack will most likely include these two apps and automatically show you the weather forecast and then your calendar, in that order, as soon as you wake up. unlock your iPhone in the morning. Then, if you usually check your exercise data after dinner, the stack will show you the Activity widget at that time of day.

And here's the best part: you don't have to leave control of this feature to Apple. You can create your own Smart Stack, organizing the apps however you like. Here's how to customize a stack.

Don't see the widgets? Try this

If you've updated your apps, but you don't see the app when you try to add the widget, try opening the app and just let it load completely. The widget should then appear in the list.

Create a custom Smart Stack like you create an apps folder

There is nothing to know in particular, no new technique to create your own smart stack. If you've ever revamped your home screen, you know all there is to know. And if not, well, it's all very easy.

Before iOS 14, you had to hold down an app icon for a long time to enter edit mode. This method still works, but now there is a shortcut:

1. Long press on the screen between the apps in the dock and the first row of apps on your home screen.

2. Tap the + icon in the upper left corner of the screen and then scroll through the list of available apps.

Find the widget you want to include in your stack. You can either drag and drop it onto your screen or tap the + at the top of the screen.

Keep in mind that the widgets you add must be the same size. Impossible to have a small, two medium and three large. Rather than tapping the + icon to add multiple widgets to your screen before stacking them, better drag and drop them onto your home screen from the widget picker. This will save you a step since you will have to move them anyway. And it saves apps already on your home screen from being moved around again and again as your phone makes room for widgets.

3. Stacking widgets is done the same way as creating a folder for applications: just drag one widget onto another.

Repeat the process until you are satisfied with your creation. You can scroll the stack whenever you want or let your iPhone do it for you. There seems to be no limit in the number of widgets in a stack. But 3 or 4 seems to be optimal. Beyond that, the scroll seems long.

4. If you change your mind and want to remove a widget or change the order, long press on the stack and select “Edit Stack” from the menu that appears. Change the order by moving the widget name up or down. You can delete a widget by swiping left on the name to bring up the “Delete” button.

If a widget can be customized, such as the one in Apple's Weather app, which allows you to change the location of forecasts, you can make these changes by tapping and holding the widget and selecting “Edit <>”.