What it does
Best Widgets is a comprehensive customization suite for iOS users. The app allows for the creation and placement of home screen widgets, the application of themed icon packs and wallpapers, and the personalization of the device keyboard. It goes a step further than many competitors by also offering unique features like a font converter and a tool for users to draw their own custom fonts from scratch.
Where it shines
The app's main strength is the sheer breadth of its customization options. Users can browse extensive libraries of widgets, themes, and keyboard styles, as seen from 03:27 onwards. The live preview during widget customization (04:02) provides immediate visual feedback, making the creation process intuitive and satisfying. However, the standout feature is the custom font creator (01:44). This tool allows users to draw each character by hand, offering a level of deep personalization rarely seen in this category.
UX highlights
- Visual Onboarding Quiz: The app starts with a simple, image-based grid (00:03) to quickly gauge user style preferences without feeling like a chore.
- Contextual Tooltips: Small, helpful tooltips appear to guide the user through new features, like the one explaining how to copy fonts at 01:14.
- Live Previews: When customizing widgets (04:02) or charging animations (08:46), the app provides a real-time preview of the changes, which is crucial for creative tools.
- Detailed Tutorials: For complex, multi-step actions like installing icons or setting up charging animations, the app provides clear, visual, step-by-step guides (05:54).
- Comprehensive Feature Set: The app bundles multiple customization tools (widgets, icons, keyboards, fonts, charging animations) into a single experience.
Monetization & growth
The app employs an aggressive but clear monetization strategy. A paywall is presented very early in the onboarding flow (00:12), immediately after the user has made their initial interest selections. This paywall uses value-anchoring tactics like "SAVE 92%" and breaks down costs into smaller weekly or daily amounts to make them seem more affordable. It notably includes a lifetime purchase option. Beyond the initial paywall, premium features are gated throughout the app, such as when a user tries to use their newly created font (02:19), acting as a contextual upgrade prompt.
Who it’s for
This app is for iOS users who are enthusiastic about personalizing their devices beyond the default settings. It caters to a wide range, from those who want quick, pre-made themes to more advanced users who enjoy the process of deep customization, like creating their own widgets and fonts. The broad feature set makes it a potential one-stop-shop for aesthetic-focused users.
Notes & opportunities
The primary point of friction is the keyboard setup process (00:47). It requires users to leave the app and navigate through several layers of system settings, which can be a confusing and significant drop-off point. The user experience is also frequently interrupted by full-screen and banner ads (e.g., 00:38, 01:07, 03:14), which can detract from the creative flow. Streamlining the setup for core features and reconsidering the ad frequency could improve overall usability.