Apple patents two-step touch to open apps from status widgets
Apple describes a method where touching a status widget on a screen first expands it to show live updates. A second touch on that expanded view then opens the specific app related to that status.
In the filing’s own words
While displaying a system user interface including a respective user interface object containing first content that indicates a current status of a first event, an electronic device with a display and touch-sensitive surface detects a first input for the respective user interface object on the touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the first input, if the first input meets first criteria, the device displays an expanded view of the respective user interface object in the system user interface. While displaying the system user interface, including the expanded view of the respective user interface object, the device detects a second input for the respective user interface object. In response to detecting the second input, if the second input meets second criteria, the device replaces display of the system user interface with a respective user interface of a first application that corresponds to the first event.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method performed at an electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface, comprising: while displaying a system user interface that includes a respective user interface object containing first content that indicates a current status of a first event, detecting a first input for the respective user interface object on the touch-sensitive surface; in response to detecting the first input: in accordance with a determination that the first input meets first criteria, displaying an expanded view of the respective user interface object in the system user interface, wherein the expanded view of the respective user interface object includes information about the current status of the first event that is updated over time while the expanded view of the respective user interface object is displayed; while displaying the system user interface, including the expanded view of the respective user interface object, detecting a second input for the respective user interface object; and in response to detecting the second input: in accordance with a determination that the second input meets second criteria, replacing display of the system user interface with a respective user interface of a first application that corresponds to the first event.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Devices and Methods for Accessing Prevalent Device Functions
- Publication number
- US20260319656A1
- Application number
- 19716121
- Filed
- Jun 23, 2026
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 8
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06F 3/04883 Physics & computingG06F 1/3265 Physics & computingG06F 3/0483 Physics & computingG06F 3/0484 Physics & computingH04L 12/28 Electricity & electronicsH04M 1/67 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Phones & computers
- Apple patents foldable screen that warns you if you bend it too fast Sep 15, 2026
- Apple patents a button that senses pressure in three directions Oct 13, 2026
- Apple patents car key features inside its digital wallet app Sep 1, 2026
- Apple patents side button that vibrates sideways when pressed Sep 1, 2026
- Apple patents tablet cover that uses fabric to control folding angle Sep 15, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.