Easier than ever.
What a year! You made sites beyond our wildest dreams. You launched businesses that changed how we shop online. You left your mark on the internet in profound ways.
And we made improvements to Universe to empower you to make sites with serious personality. Take a quick scroll to make sure you’re unlocking the power of our new tools and features.
Because it’s not too early to polish up your portfolio. Or to start that new 2024 business idea. To give AI a try for the first time. Or to make your first sale.
New year. Let’s get it.
Get Started on iOS
Get Started on Web
On any device
The magic of Universe used to be limited to those with a Mac or iOS device. This year, we brought the GRID to the Web. Now you can create and edit in any browser. And we’ve got our eyes set on even more platforms in 2024.
Never tried the Web App? All your sites from iOS and Mac are waiting for you when you log in.
Meet GUS, your new AI designer
We believe in the power of AI to help you build sites and get more sales. With GUS, the AI-enabled designer, you can generate a custom site in minutes. Sections, colors, fonts, and more will be hand-picked to fit your unique idea. GUS designs right on the GRID. That means you can further personalize your site. No code needed.
Did you know GUS can write, too? Draft and edit text anywhere on your site with the power of AI. Tap into any Text block and you’ll see options to generate text from scratch, lengthen or shorten, improve your grammar, and even translate to different languages. psst: GUS even writes alt text for your images which helps with your site's SEO and accessibility.
More is on the way for GUS in 2024, but don’t let that stop you from creating something new with AI today.
Make it yours
You deserve the freedom to create your way. And tools to bring your brand to life. This year, we unlocked new customizations, including for favicons, and partnered with Unsplash to give you over 5 million free images to use on your site.
To give you a head start on your unique design, we launched new templates for online stores, link-in-bio pages, local businesses, and more. These cutting-edge designs come pre-packaged with all the blocks you’ll need to publish a new site, and can easily be adapted to fit your brand identity.
More than anything that goes on your site, your domain is your brand. We launched a new paid plan, Domain+, to give you a custom domain along with all the tools you need to make a site your own. Hit the link below to upgrade your site to Domain+ for only $2.08/month on an annual subscription.
Upgrading an award-winning editor experience
Earlier this year, Apple recognized Universe for our efforts in making website building accessible to everyone. Since then, we’ve doubled down on features like VoiceOver functionality, Alt text on images, Dynamic Type, and accessible color schemes within our apps.
We also gave the GRID new powers. Undo/Redo controls let you jump back-and-forth through edits. We made it more clear which block you have selected to enable more precise dragging, dropping, and layering. And the re-designed block picker to makes it easier to see everything you can add to your site.
Ever wanted to draw on your site? The latest upgrade to the editor, Doodle block, lets you do just that. Drag your fingers across the screen to create your own work of art.
Supporting sellers
Merchants on Universe reached new heights this year. 1000+ of you began using the PayPal block to accept international payments. Even more set up custom rates to charge for shipping. To enable even better merchant analytics, we upgraded our Google Analytics integration to the new GA4. And we designed a whole new way to create and edit products from the commerce tab.
Your products were flying off the shelf, all year long. There are more tools coming in 2024 to help merchants manage inventory. In the meantime, remember that Pro users save on transaction fees and get paid faster. Hit the link below to sign up for Pro, starting at $5.99/month on an annual subscription.