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This video course provides an overview of the latest WidgetKit developments in iOS 16, using SwiftUI. It covers static, network-based, map-based, and configurable widgets, as well as core data-backed widgets and deep linking strategies.

The course also includes creating live activity and lock screen widgets, understanding ActivityKit and Live Activity lifecycles, and adding support for Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and newer iOS devices.

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This video course provides an overview of the latest WidgetKit developments in iOS 16, using SwiftUI. It covers static, network-based, map-based, and configurable widgets, as well as core data-backed widgets and deep linking strategies.

The course also includes creating live activity and lock screen widgets, understanding ActivityKit and Live Activity lifecycles, and adding support for Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and newer iOS devices.

By the end, participants will be skilled in creating high-quality widgets for iOS apps, mastering WidgetKit with SwiftUI 4 and iOS 16. Key topics include WidgetKit basics, SwiftUI 4, lock screen widgets, news widgets with link configuration, and using TimelineProvider to update widget content. Designed for experienced SwiftUI and iOS developers, this course enhances their WidgetKit expertise and enables them to create custom widgets that elevate user experience. Join today to unlock WidgetKit's potential!

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What's inside

Syllabus

iOS 16.1 Live Activity Widget
In this module, we will introduce live activity widgets released in iOS 16.1. You'll develop a focus timer widget, implement necessary attributes and views, and configure the widget for real-time updates.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers Dynamic Island integration, which is exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro and later, offering developers a chance to create cutting-edge user experiences
Explores data synchronization between apps and widgets, which is essential for creating a seamless user experience across different parts of the iOS ecosystem
Requires prior experience with SwiftUI and iOS development, so learners without this background may find the material challenging to grasp quickly
Focuses on WidgetKit in SwiftUI 4 and iOS 16, so learners working with older versions of Swift and iOS may find some of the content less relevant
Examines the Charts framework within widgets, which allows developers to visualize data effectively and create more engaging and informative widget experiences
Teaches how to create configurable widgets, which allows users to customize the widget's appearance and functionality to suit their individual needs and preferences

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Reviews summary

Mastering ios 16 widgetkit & dynamic island

According to students, this course is a highly valuable resource for experienced SwiftUI developers looking to master the latest iOS 16 WidgetKit features. Learners particularly praise the coverage of Live Activities and the Dynamic Island, describing them as practical and up-to-date. The code examples are generally clear and working, especially in more recent versions of the course, suggesting the instructor has made recent improvements. While some older reviews noted code issues or felt the pace was fast, requiring strong prerequisites in SwiftUI, the overall consensus is that it provides a solid foundation and practical knowledge for creating sophisticated widgets.
Moves fast, requires strong SwiftUI knowledge.
"Assumes you have a strong SwiftUI background, which is fair given the title."
"Content is relevant, but the pace is very fast. Not for beginners. Had to rewatch sections multiple times."
"Some areas could be explained in more depth, but the practical examples helped clarify."
Older issues fixed in recent versions.
"Excellent updates! The instructor clearly revised based on feedback. Code is clean and current."
"Okay course, but some of the code snippets didn't work out of the box when I took it. (Note: Review is older)"
"Disappointed. The code had errors, and the instructor didn't seem very engaging. (Note: Review is older)"
Instructor explains complex topics well.
"Fantastic course! The instructor explains complex concepts clearly. I especially appreciated the coverage of Core Data integration."
"Solid technical content. The explanations of TimelineProvider and different widget families were clear."
"The instructor was engaging and helped me understand core concepts I struggled with before."
Working examples and useful projects included.
"Code examples are clear and working. Highly recommended for staying current."
"Best WidgetKit course I've found! The practical projects like the pizza delivery Live Activity were great for learning. Everything just worked."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Master Live Activities and Dynamic Island.
"Excellent course! Covers all the latest features like Dynamic Island and Live Activities in depth. Highly recommended for staying current."
"Helpful for understanding the new iOS 16 widget capabilities, especially the Live Activities and Lock Screen sections."
"Perfect course for experienced devs looking to add modern widgets. Dynamic Island and Live Activities sections are gold."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering WidgetKit in SwiftUI 4, iOS 16 with Dynamic Island with these activities:
Review SwiftUI Fundamentals
Strengthen your SwiftUI foundation to better understand WidgetKit's SwiftUI-based implementation.
Browse courses on SwiftUI
Show steps
  • Review SwiftUI syntax and basic UI elements.
  • Practice building simple layouts with stacks and modifiers.
  • Revisit state management concepts like @State and @Binding.
Read 'SwiftUI by Tutorials'
Enhance your SwiftUI knowledge with a comprehensive guide to better understand WidgetKit's view configurations.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'SwiftUI by Tutorials'.
  • Work through the first few chapters covering basic layouts and state management.
  • Focus on sections related to view composition and data binding.
Build a Simple Widget
Gain hands-on experience by building a basic widget to reinforce the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Create a new Xcode project and add a WidgetKit extension.
  • Design a simple widget that displays static data.
  • Implement a TimelineProvider to update the widget's content.
  • Test the widget on the simulator and a physical device.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Your Widget Creation Process
Solidify your understanding by documenting the steps involved in creating a widget, including challenges and solutions.
Show steps
  • Choose a widget you've built or are building.
  • Document the design process, including layout and data flow.
  • Explain the implementation details, focusing on key code snippets.
  • Share your documentation on a blog or developer forum.
Read 'iOS 16 Programming for Beginners'
Broaden your iOS development knowledge to better understand the ecosystem in which WidgetKit operates.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'iOS 16 Programming for Beginners'.
  • Focus on chapters covering SwiftUI and app architecture.
  • Review sections related to data management and networking.
Contribute to a WidgetKit Library
Deepen your knowledge by contributing to an open-source WidgetKit library, enhancing your understanding of best practices.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source WidgetKit library on GitHub.
  • Identify a bug or feature request to work on.
  • Implement the fix or feature, following the library's coding standards.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Enhance an Existing App with a Live Activity Widget
Apply your knowledge by adding a Live Activity widget to an existing app, showcasing your skills in real-world scenarios.
Show steps
  • Choose an app you've developed or have access to.
  • Identify a feature that would benefit from a Live Activity widget.
  • Implement the Live Activity widget, handling lifecycle events and updates.
  • Test the widget thoroughly on different devices and scenarios.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering WidgetKit in SwiftUI 4, iOS 16 with Dynamic Island will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
iOS Developer
An iOS Developer builds applications for Apple's mobile operating system and this course directly enables the developer to produce high quality widgets which are now a standard feature for the platform. The course specifically focuses on the latest WidgetKit developments in iOS 16 using SwiftUI, which are essential skills for any professional iOS developer. It also covers various widget types, including static, network-based, map-based, and configurable, as well as Core Data-backed widgets and deep linking strategies. It also includes instruction on live activity and lock screen widgets and Dynamic Island support, thereby providing an in depth knowledge of modern widget development.
Mobile Application Developer
A Mobile Application Developer creates applications for mobile devices, and a key component of modern iOS development is creating widgets, which this course specifically focuses on. This course will help you understand how to build various types of widgets, including those that are network-enabled, map-based, and configurable, thereby greatly expanding the capabilities of your iOS applications. It also delves into advanced topics such as Live Activities and Dynamic Island integration, which are crucial for modern app development. This course provides skills on par with many years of experience.
Applications Engineer
An Applications Engineer specializes in the development of software applications, and this course offers specific training on how to create sophisticated widgets. The course covers a wide array of widget types, including network-based, map-based and data-backed widgets, as well as configurable widgets. Additionally, the course delves deeply Dynamic Island support and Live Activities, which are critical for modern iOS applications This course will be highly beneficial to an applications engineer looking to advance their skills in iOS development.
User Interface Engineer
A User Interface Engineer designs and implements the visual aspects of software applications, including widgets, which are covered extensively in this course. This course guides UI engineers in the creation of high-quality widgets, including those for the lock screen, maps, and Dynamic Island. A User Interface Engineer who understands WidgetKit in depth can develop widgets that greatly improve user experience. This course covers WidgetKit basics, SwiftUI 4, and using TimelineProvider to update widget content, all of which are very important for a UI engineer.
Mobile Solutions Architect
A Mobile Solutions Architect designs and oversees the architecture of mobile applications and this course provides an in depth understanding of how to implement widgets, a critical component of modern iOS apps. The course teaches how to build various types of widgets, and covers advanced aspects like deep linking, Core Data, and dynamic updates using TimelineProvider. A mobile solutions architect who understands these features will be better equipped to design robust applications. The course will help inform decisions about the scope of work that should be assigned for a given project.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer develops software applications, and this course provides training in a valuable aspect of iOS development through its deep dive into WidgetKit. The course focuses on utilizing SwiftUI to create static, network-based, map-based, and configurable widgets, which can be used to create dynamic and engaging user experiences. The course also extensively covers advanced features like ActivityKit, Live Activities, and Dynamic Island integration, all of which will greatly benefit a software engineer working on iOS projects. By taking this course, a software engineer can produce high quality results quickly.
Freelance Software Developer
A Freelance Software Developer offers their services to clients on a per-project basis, often specializing in niche areas such as iOS development. This course helps a freelance developer create high-quality widgets, which can enhance the capabilities of their client's applications. The course covers various widget types including network-based, map-based, and configurable widgets, as well as advanced topics like deep linking and Dynamic Island. This course may be useful for a freelance developer who wants to develop for the iOS platform.
User Interface Designer
A User Interface Designer focuses on the look and feel of digital products, and this course helps provide an understanding of how to construct appealing widgets, an essential part of the iOS UI. This course teaches the creation of static, network-based, and configurable widgets. It also teaches the creation of custom widgets, Dynamic Island widgets, and widgets for the lock screen. This course will help a user interface designer appreciate the various configurations possible and inform the design of those elements. This is highly useful for UI designers who want to know the capabilities of software widgets.
Mobile Product Manager
A Mobile Product Manager guides the development and strategy of mobile applications and this course provides a better understanding of the technical aspects of WidgetKit, a feature that can greatly enhance user engagement. The course covers both basic and advanced widget concepts, including static, network-based, and configurable widgets. This course will help a product manager determine whether specific features are possible within time constraints, when making recommendations for product features. This course may be useful for individuals who want a deeper understanding of these technical aspects of creating widgets.
Technology Educator
A Technology Educator teaches software development skills, and this course would provide a solid foundation to teach the concepts behind WidgetKit with SwiftUI 4 and iOS 16, an important aspect of modern iOS development. This course covers all of the important aspects of WidgetKit, including static, network-based, and configurable widgets, as well as advanced topics like Live Activities and lock screen widgets. A technology educator who is deeply familiar with WidgetKit can more effectively teach these concepts to others. This course would be ideal for anyone teaching others about these aspects of iOS development.
Technology Consultant
A Technology Consultant provides advice on technology solutions, and this course offers specific training in WidgetKit, a critical element of iOS app development. A technology consultant who understands the capabilities of WidgetKit can provide better advice to clients who want to extend the functionality of their iOS apps, such as creating custom widgets. This course explores various types of widgets, including static, network-based, and configurable widgets. This course may provide a technology consultant with improved awareness of the capabilities and limitations of this technology.
UX Designer
A UX Designer focuses on the user experience of digital products, and this course provides specific knowledge about widget functionality, which is critical for modern iOS applications. This course covers the creation of static, network-based, and configurable widgets, along with advanced features such as Live Activities and Dynamic Island. A UX designer who understands how widgets work can integrate them into a coherent and user-friendly experience. This course provides essential information for integrating widgets into an overall user experience. This course may be useful for a UX designer working on iOS apps.
Software Architect
A Software Architect is responsible for the high-level design and structure of software applications, and this course will provide a more clear sense of how widgets can be utilized to build better iOS applications. The course covers a wide array of widget types, including network-enabled, data-backed, and configurable widgets, as well as advanced topics such as Live Activities and Dynamic Island support. A software architect, who understands the capabilities of WidgetKit, can leverage this technology to make more effective recommendations for integrating widgets. This course may be useful for software architects working on iOS applications.
Mobile Team Lead
A Mobile Team Lead manages mobile development teams, and this course enhances their technical understanding of a critical component of iOS development, through its focus on WidgetKit. This course covers the development of high quality widgets, including lock screen widgets, map-based widgets, and those with deep linking and data synchronization capabilities. A mobile team lead, who understands how to design and implement these widgets, can better guide their team. This course may be useful to a team lead managing iOS mobile application teams.
Tech Support Specialist
A Tech Support Specialist provides technical support to customers, and this course provides an understanding of how widgets work on the iOS platform. This course covers static, network-based, and configurable widgets, as well as advanced features including Live Activities and Dynamic Island. A tech support specialist who has an understanding of widgets can better assist customers who have trouble with these features. This course will be helpful for any tech support specialist working with iOS products.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering WidgetKit in SwiftUI 4, iOS 16 with Dynamic Island.
Provides a comprehensive guide to SwiftUI, covering everything from basic layouts to advanced animations and data management. It's particularly useful for understanding how SwiftUI components are used within WidgetKit. While not specifically about WidgetKit, it provides the necessary SwiftUI background. This book is commonly used by iOS developers learning SwiftUI.

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