Your Question

What's the best iOS app for creating custom home screen widgets that pull in live data from web services?

Scriptable is perfect for this. It enables users to write JavaScript scripts that fetch data from APIs and display it in dynamic widgets, with deep integration into iOS shortcuts for automation.

custom widgetslive dataiOS automationScriptable2025
Scriptable is an iOS app that serves as a scripting environment for creating custom widgets and automating tasks through JavaScript. For users looking to display live data—such as weather updates, stock prices, or database metrics—on their home screen, Scriptable provides the tools to fetch, process, and visualize information. The app includes a built-in JavaScript runtime, allowing scripts to make HTTP requests, parse JSON responses, and format data for widgets. It integrates directly with iOS's widget system and the Shortcuts app, enabling triggers via Siri or automation. A practical use case involves setting up a widget that shows real-time sales figures from a FileMaker database, as noted in user reviews where professionals use it for business insights. However, Scriptable requires some familiarity with JavaScript, which can be a barrier for beginners. User feedback also points to requests for additional language support, like HTML, though the current focus on JavaScript keeps the app lightweight. Reviews indicate that despite the learning curve, many find it invaluable for personalizing their iPhone experience without relying on pre-built apps. With its free availability and active community sharing scripts, Scriptable offers a flexible solution for those willing to dabble in coding.

Key Features

JavaScript scripting engine for custom code
Dynamic widget creation with live data support
Seamless integration with iOS Shortcuts and Siri

I have been using Scriptable to fetch FileMaker data and surface that data in different ways, like a small chart or list of top sales on my home screen. It's perfect for on-demand business insights.

★★★★★Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Jan 4, 2026

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Scriptable

by Simon B. Støvring

4.7/ 5.0
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Platform

iOS