Countdown Birthday and anniversary countdown or count-up widgets
Count down to the next celebration, or count the days since you met. Pick the date that matches the story you want your iPhone widget to tell.
Requires iOS 26 or later. Use the latest Countdown version; button names and placement can vary. Images are product examples, not screenshots of the setup steps.
1. Decide: days until or days since?
For a birthday or next anniversary, create an event with the upcoming celebration date. To count your time together, use the original past date instead. Countdown and count-up are both included free. A countdown to your next anniversary and a count-up from your first date serve different purposes.
2. Repeat a celebration, not the starting date
For a birthday or anniversary countdown, choose yearly repetition in the event editor and check the next date. For a count-up, keep the original date without yearly repetition so it continues measuring the time since that milestone. Add a reminder if you want one before the celebration.
3. Add a photo and choose the widget event
Choose a meaningful photo, preview the style, and save. Add Countdown through Edit → Add Widget on the Home Screen. Hold the widget, choose Edit Widget, and select the birthday or anniversary you saved. You can also add a compact Lock Screen widget through Customize. The widget guide below covers both locations.
Free or Premium?
The free version has up to three events, your photos, reminders, countdown/count-up, and Home and Lock Screen widgets, with no ads. If you keep separate countdown and count-up events, each uses one event slot. Lifetime Premium unlocks unlimited events and premium customization through a one-time purchase. Some looks, fonts, and extra backgrounds are paid; check the editor before saving.