With Watchos 10 Scheduled To Launch This Fall, A New And Improved Experience Is Expected To Make Its Way To Apple’s Smartwatches.
Apple previewed the new software at WWDC 2023 and highlighted many of its top features. In this report, the unique features of this operating system, from the setting widgets to the new watch faces, have been reviewed.
WatchOS 10 ushers in a new user experience with a renewed focus on redesigned widgets and apps. There are also set to be key improvements in some of the device’s most popular areas of health and fitness tracking, including cycling, walking, and mental health.
In the past, fans have welcomed upgrades to the Apple Watch Series 8 software experience, but promotions are always welcome. Everyone will be pleased if Apple can pair the following updates with better battery life.
New look and guidance
Widgets will reach the Apple Watch, and the current Glances model will be retired. In the Smart Stack feature, clock widgets appear on the screen by rotating the digital crown and displaying relevant information. Then users can turn the crown, move between their devices, select them for more details if needed, and enter the app. Like the crown, the side button will also have a new role. This button will take users to Control Center with one press.
According to Apple, almost all apps will get an updated look that uses the display better. That is, more information will be shown on the screen now.
Mental health and vision tools
Mental health is often overlooked, and Apple plans to help. Through watchOS 10, users can record their daily moods to know their emotional health. Then in the Health app, you can see how your recorded mood relates to lifestyle factors, including sleep, exercise, and time spent outdoors.
In a related move, according to Apple, ambient light sensors in compatible watches can also measure time spent in daylight. The company claims this will help parents ensure they spend enough time outdoors to reduce the risk of myopia (less use of technology).
Improved fitness tracking
Since fitness tracking is one of the most popular uses for these devices, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an upgrade to the Apple Watch workout experience in watchOS 10.
- Cycling: Last year, a useful mode for tracking various sports made its way to the Apple Watch. This year, the company will introduce new benchmarks for cyclists compatible with related accessories to measure speed, cadence, and power. Also, different power ranges during the workout will be displayed on the watch. If you want to view the information on a larger screen, there’s even an option to display the metrics being measured live on a synced iPhone when you start a bike workout.
- Apple Fitness+: This subscription plan is also slated to receive an update. Thanks to watchOS 10, the subscription service will soon be able to create custom training programs.
Apple Watch Ultra
Since the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra, users have been waiting for fun updates to navigation and mapping. WatchOS 10 will include a new 3D compass and detailed elevation and antenna information for the adventurous. The compass will even highlight possible places to make emergency calls.
Apple adds access to trail information in the United States, including trail names, lengths, elevations, difficulty, and more for hikers. Also, Ultra users can use topographical maps to view elevations, terrain contours, and points of interest. Additionally, New Elevation Alerts will notify you of reaching certain heights.
Other new features
- Different training programs: Popular training programs can use the powerful sensors in the new Apple watches to create new tools for sports such as golf and tennis. These apps can also add scheduled workouts to the Workout app.
- Message playback: Apple Watch users can view recovered FaceTime video messages on their wrists.
- Medication Reminders: Send a secondary reminder to take a medication or supplement
- Offline Maps: Through iOS 17, users can download maps to their iPhone; then, if they are in range of the iPhone, the maps will be previewed and used for navigation on the Apple Watch.
- Enterprise: WatchOS 10 will include new employee health and productivity features, including setting up a VPN.
- NameDrop: Users can easily share contact information by tapping My Card and placing two Apple Watches beside each other.
Apple Watches eligible to receive watchOS 10
Based on Apple’s history, watchOS 10 is expected to be released alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 in early fall. After the release of the software, this operating system will also make its way to the following Apple Watches:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
Will WatchOS 10 include new watch faces?
This new OS will include a new watch face or two. WatchOS 10 will bring lovable characters to users’ wrists in an animated Peanuts watch look with Snoopy and Woodstock. Also, the palette offers a more relaxed, color-based experience for depicting time with changing colors.