What is the definition of a widget in macOS?

A widget in macOS refers to a small app that is designed to provide quick access to specific information or functionality, often displayed on the desktop or within an application. Widgets serve as convenient tools, allowing users to see relevant data like weather updates, calendar alerts, or news headlines at a glance without needing to open a full application.

This definition is aligned with how widgets enhance user experience by providing at-a-glance information and easy access to frequently used features. Widgets are often customizable, allowing users to select which information they wish to display, but they fundamentally remain small applications that are lightweight in nature and serve a specific purpose.

The other options do not accurately define what a widget is in the context of macOS. For instance, while system preferences do contain various settings and configurations, they are not referred to as widgets. User-configurable settings are elements within applications or system settings, but these are not synonymous with widgets. Additionally, a large application program denotes something much more extensive and complex than a widget, which is intended to be simple and focused on delivering quick bits of information.