# placeholder(in:) Provides a timeline entry representing a placeholder version of the widget. ``` func placeholder(in context: Self.Context) -> Self.Entry ``` ## Parameters `context` An object that describes the context in which to show the widget. ## Return Value A timeline entry that represents a placeholder version of the widget. ## Discussion When WidgetKit displays your widget for the first time, it renders the widget’s view as a placeholder. A placeholder view displays a generic representation of your widget, giving the user a general idea of what the widget shows. WidgetKit calls `placeholder(in:)` to request an entry representing the widget’s placeholder configuration. For example, the sample code project implements this method for its leaderboard widget as follows: ``` struct LeaderboardProvider: TimelineProvider { public typealias Entry = LeaderboardEntry func placeholder(in context: Context) -> LeaderboardEntry { return LeaderboardEntry(date: Date(), heros: EmojiRanger.availableHeros) } } ``` In addition, WidgetKit may render your widget as a placeholder if user’s choose to hide sensitive information on Apple Watch or the iPhone Lock Screen. To learn more about redacting sensitive data, see [Creating a widget extension](/documentation/WidgetKit/Creating-a-Widget-Extension). > Important: `placeholder(in:)` is synchronous and returns a `TimelineEntry` > immediately. Return from `placeholder(in:)` as quickly as possible. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)