Apple has quietly updated its Invites app with a new countdown widget, aiming to make the tool more useful for event planning. The app, which launched in February 2025 with little fanfare, now offers a feature that counts down to upcoming events directly from the Home Screen.
The widget not only displays the time remaining until an event but also shows artwork chosen by the user and the number of attendees who have RSVP’d. This change could help Apple position Invites as more than a simple calendar add-on.
Competing With Third-Party Apps
Until now, apps like Up Ahead have dominated the countdown widget space with richer customization options. While Apple’s new widget is more limited, it benefits from the seamless integration that comes with first-party apps.
Some users have already begun switching to Invites. One reviewer even replaced a third-party countdown app with Apple’s widget after trying it, noting the convenience of having it in a Today View widget stack.
From Experiment to Practical Tool
When Invites first appeared, many thought of it as just a user interface experiment. However, regular updates have gradually shaped it into a more functional tool for organizing events and sharing invites.
The app has also gained traction for personal uses such as weddings and family gatherings, where users appreciate its whimsical design. With the countdown widget, it now adds a fun and practical way to anticipate upcoming events.
Looking Ahead
The update arrives just as Apple prepares for its “Awe Dropping” iPhone 17 event, fueling speculation that the company may one day use Invites for its own announcements. For now, the app empowers fans to create their own Apple Event-style invites and share them with friends.
Apple’s steady improvements suggest Invites could continue evolving into a more central part of its ecosystem. Whether it will rival third-party apps in flexibility remains to be seen, but the latest update is a step in the right direction.
