Key Highlights
- WatchOS 10 was unveiled by Apple at WWDC 2023
- The update brings many new features
- watchOS 10 will be accessible this fall
During WWDC 2023, Apple made significant announcements regarding its upcoming operating systems, including iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma. Alongside these updates, the company introduced watchOS 10, the successor to last year’s watchOS 9, enhancing the capabilities of Apple’s smartwatches. With watchOS 10, users can expect a fresh design, new watch faces, and a range of innovative health-tracking features, among other exciting additions. Also Read | Apple New ‘NameDrop’ Feature for iPhones: What Is It? Steps To Use
Enhanced App Display
Apple Watch apps like Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps, Messages, World Clock, and others have been optimized to utilize a bigger amount of the display as part of the watchOS 10 upgrade, giving consumers access to more information quickly.
Smart Stack
Smart Stack is a new element introduced in watchOS 10. It consists of widgets that adapt to a user’s context and can be accessed by simply turning the Digital Crown from any watch face. For example, the Weather widget displays the forecast at the beginning of the day, while the Smart Stack shows boarding passes from Wallet during travel. Calendars and Reminders are prioritized to display upcoming meetings or tasks, and running apps such as Podcasts are conveniently positioned for quick access.
Improved Design And Functionality
As part of the design changes, Apple has made Control Center accessible via the side button. Users can now easily revert any app to its original position by double-clicking the Digital Crown.
Also Read | Apple Watch: Here’s How You Can Create And Share Watch Faces
New Watch Faces
With watchOS 10, Apple Watch introduces two new captivating watch faces — Palette and Snoopy. The Palette face displays time in a range of colors using three overlapping layers, creating a visually dynamic experience. On the other hand, the Snoopy watch face brings the beloved characters from the Peanuts comic strip to life. The characters interact with the watch hands, react to local weather conditions, and even participate in workouts alongside the user.
New Health Features
watchOS 10 introduces a range of new health features for the Apple Watch. Here are the highlights:
- Cycling Metrics and Views: When starting a cycling workout on the Apple Watch, it appears as a Live Activity on the iPhone, utilizing the full screen for easy tracking.
- Optimized Workout Views: Workout Views like Heart Rate Zones, Elevation, Race Route, Custom Workouts, and Cycling Speed are optimized for the iPhone’s display size.
- Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity: Apple Watch can automatically connect to Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories such as power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors.
- Bluetooth Support for Indoor and Outdoor Cycling: Bluetooth connection is supported for both indoor and outdoor cycling workouts.
- Estimation of Functional Threshold Power (FTP): This represents the highest level of cycling intensity that a rider can sustain for an hour. Apple Watch calculates personalized Power Zones based on FTP.
- Enhanced Compass App: It generates two new waypoints. The Last Cellular Connection Waypoint estimates the last location with cellular reception, useful for checking messages or making calls. The Last Emergency Call Waypoint estimates where the device last had a connection to any available carrier’s network, enabling emergency calls.
- Elevation View: It provides a three-dimensional perspective of saved waypoints using altimeter data.
- Improved Mindfulness App: The Mindfulness app in watchOS 10 allows discreet logging of momentary emotions and daily moods.
- Vision Health Monitoring: With the help of the ambient light sensor, watchOS 10 now has the ability to track how much time is spent outdoors.
- Screen Distance Feature: It encourages users to maintain a suitable distance from their device by utilizing the TrueDepth camera, also used for Face ID.
Availability Of watchOS 10
Apple has confirmed that watchOS 10 will be released in the upcoming fall as a free software update. To install watchOS 10, users will need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, paired with an iPhone Xs or later running iOS 17. Eligible Apple Watch models include Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra.
Also Read | iOS 17 Arrives: Seven Exciting Features For iPhone Users
