The highly anticipated watchOS 10, the next major software update for the Apple Watch, is on the horizon, and we’ve gathered all the essential details you need to know right here.
With the recent unveiling of the Apple Watch 9, there’s limited time remaining until the release of the upcoming watchOS update, which will not only benefit Apple’s latest wearable but also all compatible previous Apple Watch models.
As the tenth-generation update for its operating system, Apple has pulled out all the stops for watchOS 10. In contrast to last year’s update, this one brings a plethora of enhancements that promise to reshape our interaction with Apple Watches.
To ensure you stay well-informed, we’ve compiled comprehensive information about watchOS 10, including expected features, compatible devices, and, most importantly, the release date for the general public. Keep reading to discover more.
Celebrating the significant milestone of ’10,’ Apple has undertaken a complete revamp of the watchOS design. WatchOS 10 introduces fresh app designs for major applications like Apple Maps, Weather, and Calls, all following a design philosophy reminiscent of last year’s iOS lockscreen update. This approach emphasizes vibrant colors and stylized fonts that fill the screen.
Following collaborations with beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Toy Story, the Apple Watch introduces its next prominent branded watch face, featuring the iconic Snoopy from Charlie Brown. This watch face offers various animations that pay homage to Snoopy’s rich history.
After its debut on iOS, Smart Stack is making its way to the Apple Watch, offering quick access to relevant information based on the time of day. While not a full-fledged widget system, it’s a significant step in that direction. Apple has demonstrated this feature in presentations, with apps like Apple News, Stocks, and Weather providing seamless integration, reducing the need to open individual apps.
Apple continues to enhance its Mindfulness app, allowing users to log their current emotional state and the underlying reasons, a feature commonly found in meditation apps like Calm. Remarkably, the Mindfulness app remains completely free.
In the pursuit of improved well-being, Apple Watch now tracks your time spent outdoors using the ambient light sensor. This feature aligns with the connection between outdoor time and increased Vitamin D intake, promoting better overall mental health. This innovation may set a precedent for other wearables.
For avid golfers wearing an Apple Watch Series 8 or an Apple Watch Ultra, exciting functionality is on the horizon. These wearables’ sensors will provide detailed insights into wrist rotation and stance pronation, aiding in perfecting your golf swing.
Cycling workouts will be presented as Live Activities, offering additional metrics, including heart rate zones, accessible on your phone. Hiking enthusiasts will also benefit from an update that tracks their last known location, aiding emergency services in case you veer off the beaten path.
Compatibility with watchOS 10 includes the following Apple Watch models:
- 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
Notably, no watches have been excluded from this update compared to the previous watchOS 9 release. The Apple Watch 3 was the last device to be left out, having received its last update with watchOS 8, but all its successors remain in the update cycle.
Snoopy is not the sole addition to the watch face library; the new ‘Palette’ design will also be introduced via the update. Palette adopts a minimalist approach with no dials but features an array of pastel-like colors on the screen. It may not suit everyone’s taste, but if you prefer a laid-back, colorful design, it could become your preferred watch face.