Slack Introduces iPhone Widgets to Make Work More Inescapable

Today, Slack introduced its first set of widgets for the iOS version of its mobile app. These new widgets are designed to enhance the Slack experience on the iPhone by making it easier to stay on top of conversations and manage your status without having to open the app. Three of these widgets are designed for the iPhone’s homescreen, while the fourth is for the lockscreen, allowing users to jump immediately into Slack after unlocking their device.

Homescreen Widgets: Catch Up and Status Updates

The homescreen widgets include:

1. Catch Up Widget:

   • This widget provides an at-a-glance view of how many unread messages and mentions a user has without opening the app.

   • It offers more detail than the Slack app icon’s badge.

   • Tapping the Catch Up widget takes users directly to that section of the Slack app, allowing them to quickly swipe through missed conversations.

2. Status Widgets:

   • There are two versions of the Status widget.

   • The smaller Status widget takes users directly to the status update section of the Slack iOS app.

   • The larger Status widget offers the same functionality plus three preselected status options: one-hour “Focus” and “Lunch” statuses, and a half-hour “Take a break” status.

   • Currently, these preselected options are not customizable.

New Slack iPhone widgets for a streamlined work experience. Image: Slack

Lockscreen Widget: Immediate Access

The fourth widget can be added to the lockscreen, providing instant access to the Slack app upon unlocking the device. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to stay connected and responsive throughout the day.

The Implications of More Connectivity

Slack's new widgets aim to streamline communication and status management, but they also blur the lines between work and personal life even further. Slack’s presence on all our devices already makes work feel ever-present, and these widgets could amplify that sensation, putting work-related updates and notifications front and center every time you open your phone.

Conclusion

While the new Slack widgets for iOS undoubtedly enhance productivity and connectivity, they also underscore the increasing integration of work into our daily lives. For those who thrive on staying connected and managing their work efficiently, these widgets are a welcome addition. However, for those seeking to maintain a healthier work-life balance, the introduction of these widgets might feel like yet another step towards the inescapability of work.