Apple Invites App's Home Screen Widget Just Got Better

[MacRumors]

With the latest version of the Apple Invites app on the iPhone, released today, the app's Home Screen widget has received a small but useful enhancement.

In August, the app gained a Home Screen widget that counts down the days until an upcoming event, but you had to choose a specific event. Starting today, though, a new "Next Upcoming" option can automatically refresh the widget with your next closest event as they pass by. You can still set a specific event manually if you prefer.

The update also contains bug fixes and performance improvements.

Released in February 2025, the Apple Invites app makes it easy to invite people to events, such as birthday parties and baby showers. First, you create an event invitation, which can include a description, a custom background, and even a shared photo album. Then, you can generate a link to the event that you can share with invited guests.

The ability to create an event in the app is limited to iCloud+ subscribers, but anyone who receives an event link can RSVP for free. In the U.S., the cheapest iCloud+ plan with 50GB of storage currently costs 99 cents per month.

Apple Invites is available on the iPhone, and on the web at iCloud.com/invites. Guests can RSVP in the iPhone app, or on the web from any device.

Article Link: Apple Invites App's Home Screen Widget Just Got Better

 

[ScooterComputer]

Still no iPad or Mac version. 🙄 "What's a computer?"

 

[HouseLannister]

Wait, wait, wait... bug fixes AND performance improvements! <claps>

 

[Astuces iOS]

I bet no one used this app since release

 

[verdi1987]

I’m curious how many people use this app.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I’m curious how many people use this app.

They must all be inside Apple, as it seems to get more attention than is warranted.

 

[Thisismattwade]

Did this update come with iOS 26.3.1? (I've noticed my devices have been upgrading to that version the last week or so, but I'm not sure when it actually came out.) If not, why does this Apple app receive separate updates outside of the OS, but apps like Messages or Mail only seem to receive updates when iOS itself is updated?

 

[WilliApple]

I used the app once...
And no one accepted an invite in Apple Invites, they showed up with the physical flyer lol

 

[mattopotamus]

Good idea, poor execution. I feel confident most iOS users do not even know this exists.

 

[SirOmega]

I tried to use this the other day for a kids party.

I already had made a Canva based invite using a template. I went to drop that in and… nope. It wont let you drop the finished invite artwork in. Not going to work this time.

 

[HouseLannister]

Did this update come with iOS 26.3.1?

It's a standalone app and not part of the OS. You need to download it from the App Store and use that to check for updates.

 

[verdi1987]

Did this update come with iOS 26.3.1? (I've noticed my devices have been upgrading to that version the last week or so, but I'm not sure when it actually came out.) If not, why does this Apple app receive separate updates outside of the OS, but apps like Messages or Mail only seem to receive updates when iOS itself is updated?

You have to purposely install the app. It appears it gets updated monthly based on its update history.

 

[mattopotamus]

I tried to use this the other day for a kids party.

I already had made a Canva based invite using a template. I went to drop that in and… nope. It wont let you drop the finished invite artwork in. Not going to work this time.

Easier to just use AI and generate an invite and text it out.

 

[rbramseyjr]

I’m curious how many people use this app.

i'd love to use this, but i'm not paying for yet another subscription. i'll stick to partiful i guess.

 

[turbineseaplane]

i'd love to use this, but i'm not paying for yet another subscription. i'll stick to partiful i guess.

That's the App that Apple ripped off when creating Invites IIRC, yeah?

 

[CoMoMacUser]

I’m curious how many people use this app.

Probably as many as Ping. I forgot it even existed.

 

[What_Is_George]

tried using this one time and it was an absolute disaster. anyone without an iPhone was screwed over, people with an iPhone didnt have the app and struggled with it, when it is one or two people with a problem it is on them, but when it is 21/28 people having problems it is the apps fault

 

[mlenger]

tried using this one time and it was an absolute disaster. anyone without an iPhone was screwed over, people with an iPhone didnt have the app and struggled with it, when it is one or two people wit the problem it is on them, but when it is 21/28 people having problems it is the apps fault

We had the exact same issue. Complete waste of time and a embarrassment.

 

[chomelchizo]

This app is useless in its current form. I deleted the app. I used it for the first time a week ago and 95% of the invited guests were complaining. It was embarrassing.

 

[turbineseaplane]

@mlenger & @What_Is_George

Have you guys considered just not having friends that don't have iPhones?
-Tim

 

[phenste]

i forgot this app existed. like. i'm not trying to be snarky

 

[ericg301]

I used it to plan my daughter's Bat Mitzvah dinner/party. About 40 guests. They were all iOS users. It worked well but I had to send a pre-message letting everyone know it was coming. Because the text message with the initial invite looks a little phishy.

 

[theeaglesfan005]

They still need to add a way to manually update RSVP for people... I've had events I've used this for and when sending to a couple only one of them will RSVP and just comment +1 or that both of them attending

 

[Sir Ruben]

I dont know ANYONE who had ever mentioned, let alone used this app.

 

[boswald]

I downloaded this due to the ad in iCloud settings, but haven't even opened it yet. Not sure why I would, as I don't plan any parties or events. In fact, I don't know why I even bothered to get it. I'm getting old.