Hi, I’m Sam.
I made WidgetScreen.
I wanted my Mac lock screen to be more useful, so I built the app I wished was already there.
sam@widgetscreen.app
The lock screen felt like a missed opportunity.
I’m a computer science student in the UK and I spend an unreasonable amount of time getting the little details of my Mac setup right. macOS brought widgets to the desktop, but the lock screen was still mostly just a wallpaper and a clock.
WidgetScreen adds weather, calendar, music, battery and system widgets that appear when the Mac is locked, then disappear when you sign in. I designed it to feel like part of macOS. Lock-screen placement does not need Screen Recording permission; the optional Audio Visualiser asks for system audio access.
I shared the first version with r/macapps. The response was far bigger than I expected, and a lot of what has improved since came directly from that conversation.
Built with feedback from Mac users.
The original Reddit discussion shaped what came next. You can read that conversation and coverage from Digital Trends and Yahoo Tech below.
A few useful details.
If you’re trying the app or writing about it, this is the short version.
What it doesAdds weather, photos, calendar, clock, Now Playing, lyrics, Sticky Notes, battery, countdown and system widgets to the Mac lock screen and screen saver.
What it costsThe core app is free. Premium is an optional $9.99 / £9.99 one-time purchase for more widgets and customisation.
What it runs onmacOS 15 Sequoia and later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
What it accessesNo account or wallpaper capture. The optional Audio Visualiser requests Screen & System Audio Recording access for on-device sound analysis. The app is signed with a Developer ID and notarised by Apple.
Who makes itSam Cook, an independent developer and computer science student in the UK.
Pictures and video.
You’re welcome to use these when writing or talking about WidgetScreen. Please credit WidgetScreen / Sam Cook.
Questions, review access, or just curious?