September 12, 2023, 9:11 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
At its developer conference in June 2023, Apple officially unveiled the watchOS 10 operating system for the first time. The September event provided final details.
watchOS 10 will be one of the biggest updates in recent years for the Apple Watch. According to the information Apple released about the new smartwatch operating system at the WWDC 2023 (Worldwide Developers Conference) and now during the Apple Keynote 2023, users will receive a fundamentally redesigned interface. Additionally, there are new watch faces and a focus on mental health. TECHBOOK summarizes all the information about watchOS 10.
Overview
When will watchOS 10 be available for the Apple Watch?
At the WWDC, Apple only introduced the new operating system for its smartwatch. The major update, as always, will arrive in late summer after Apple holds its big keynote. As expected, the company also introduced the new Apple Watch 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the iPhone 15 along with Pro models.
The new watchOS 10 is set to launch on September 18, alongside iOS 17.
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The most important updates for watchOS 10
At the WWDC 2023, Apple also introduced its mixed-reality headset, “Apple Vision Pro.” Alongside this major innovation, a new MacBook Air with a 15-inch screen and new software were presented. There were already detailed insights into the updates for iOS 17 for Apple’s iPhone. The presentation of watchOS 10 was almost as significant this year.
Apple prominently brings back widgets
A fundamental change affects the Apple Watch interface. Early versions of the operating system primarily relied on dedicated widgets. However, pressing the crown on the side of the Apple Watch today leads to a scrollable app overview. With watchOS 10, Apple aims to replace this with widgets arranged in a “Smart Stack.” The order will be determined by a machine-learning algorithm based on user preferences. The selection can also be customized by long-pressing the display.
The function of the side button will also change with watchOS 10. Currently, it brings users to the overview of recently used apps. In the future, this will be accessed by double-pressing the crown. After the update, the button will instead take you to the control center.
New design and watch faces
Additionally, some fundamental apps like the World Clock will be redesigned. This primarily means new colors and a slightly adjusted handling. For example, the Activity app will appear more prominently on the display, show more information in a small space, and encourage more movement in everyday life.
External app developers already have access to this new design with watchOS 10 to adapt their functionality accordingly. Apple Watch owners can also look forward to two new watch faces. One is an official Snoopy watch face, and the other is a face called Palette, which changes the display’s color scheme based on the time of day.
New training features with watchOS 10
Cyclists, in particular, will be pleased with the announced updates for watchOS 10. Previously, they had to rely on external apps. While there is already an automatic fall detection feature, the new watchOS finally integrates cycling training into the regular training app. This has the advantage of live tracking and displaying important parameters like heart rate or altitude.
The Apple Watch will also automatically connect with compatible cycling accessories. Additionally, a new training metric is planned: FTP (Functional Threshold Power). This will allow cyclists to divide their training into different zones and determine the highest intensity a rider can theoretically achieve based on previous performance.
For those who prefer walking, the Compass app will soon show where you last had reception. In an emergency, this helps you find your way out of a dead zone. Specifically for owners of an Apple Watch Series 8 or Ultra, watchOS 10 also allows for analyzing hand movements in sports with a racket, such as golf or tennis.
Mental health
Apple users already have access to the Mindfulness app, which includes training for deep and conscious breathing and a feature called Reflect. With watchOS 10, the scope of this app will be expanded, and the focus on mental health will be increased. The Apple Watch will be able to analyze emotions based on certain parameters and log them. All information will also be extensively recorded in the Health app. This helps with self-reflection by identifying situations where you felt uncomfortable. A questionnaire will also help detect early signs of depression.
watchOS 10 also introduces tips to protect your eyes and improve vision health. The distance to a smartphone display can also be measured. For this, Apple uses the same sensors on the iPhone that are used for Face ID technology. Ambient light sensors can also track how much time you spend in sunlight.
Other updates with watchOS 10
In addition to these major adjustments and innovations, Apple lists several other features debuting with watchOS 10. The “NameDrop” feature introduced with iOS 17 also applies to the Apple Watch. This makes it easier to synchronize contact information within the Apple ecosystem. Speaking of contacts: Starting with watchOS 10, Apple Watch users can also view FaceTime video messages on their smartwatches.
Additionally, the medication app’s reminder function will be improved, and offline maps stored on an iPhone will be more accessible via the Apple Watch.
Which Apple Watch models will get watchOS 10?
As of now, all smartwatch models that Apple still supports with updates will receive watchOS 10. This includes the Apple Watch Series 4. It’s important to have at least an iPhone Xs (or newer).