A new widget from Instagram's iOS version is under works, centering on a way to directly launch the Story camera from the lock screen with one click. This feature reportedly appeared for some already, but for others, it has not yet been showing up and it delivers an experience that takes users straight to the app's feature upon clicking it, for quick access.
While there are others whose first choice is to capture the moment via the iPhone's camera which would save the image or video before uploading it, others prefer a direct to IG Stories and upload immediately.
Instagram Story iOS Widget Coming to the Lock Screen
9to5Mac shared the testaments of various users who claim that Instagram's current iOS version has already begun showing a new widget that will launch the Story camera of the app directly from the lock screen. Through this feature, iOS users would only have to edit their iPhone's lock screen and add the Story icon, and this would already prompt the feature whenever clicking it.
For users with Face ID unlock, this would immediately take them to Instagram's Story camera where they may go to take the photo or video they wish to capture and directly upload.
In this way, this would eliminate the need to launch the iPhone Camera app, which is also available on the lock screen, capture the moment, and then go to Instagram to upload it via the Story.
Instagram Still Working on Widget Camera Shortcut
It is important to note that while many users are claiming that the feature is available, some are still not finding it on their iOS lock screen's customization feature with Widgets. This is because Instagram is still working on making this Story camera widget shortcut to arrive on the iOS version of the app across users.
For now, users who do not have this may opt for the traditional method where they have to use the iPhone Camera app to capture them on high resolution.
Instagram's App and its Features
One of the most recent features available from Meta is with Instagram app's availability on the TestFlight platform which brings App Clip support for the iOS. Through this, users may enjoy a part of Instagram to try out, and specifically, Meta chose to feature the Reels as the trial experience of the app, showing about six clips before prompting users to download the app.
Recently, Meta ramped up an experience on Instagram that helps better teen safety and security on its platform, centering on new DM controls that bring improved online experiences for the young ones.
The platform also saw a significant shift towards political content recommendations on Instagram and Threads amidst the 2024 US Elections.
In the latest version of Instagram, there is a lot to unpack and discover within the app which takes social media access to the next level, with Meta still featuring massive developments to the almost decade-old platform. While its latest iOS widget that launches the Instagram Story directly from the lock screen is varying in availability, it will soon offer wide access for users that takes them straight to uploading expiring media on the app.
