Apple has just released watchOS 10, the latest version of its operating system designed specifically for the Apple Watch. This update is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later models and introduces some exciting new features and improvements.
To download watchOS 10, users can head to the Apple Watch app on their iPhone and navigate to General > Software Update. The update is free to install but requires the Apple Watch to have at least 50 percent battery and be placed on a charger during the installation process.
One of the key changes in watchOS 10 is the redesigned interface, with a particular focus on widgets. Now, when users turn the Digital Crown, they will be greeted with the widget Smart Stack, which displays information that is most relevant throughout the day and adapts to the user’s needs. The Control Center can now be accessed by clicking the side button, as opposed to a swipe gesture.
The built-in Apple apps have also received a makeover in watchOS 10, featuring a more streamlined design that emphasizes essential information. Developers can also take advantage of this new design language for their own apps. Apps such as Maps, Messages, Activity, Heart, and Home have all been revamped to enhance the user experience.
Two new watch faces have been introduced in watchOS 10: the colorful Palette face and the Snoopy face, which showcases characters from the beloved cartoon series. The Snoopy face includes over 100 animations that respond to the time of day, local weather, and user activity.
In terms of activity tracking, watchOS 10 offers improved integrations for cyclists, including support for Bluetooth-enabled sensors like power meters and speed sensors. The Cycling Power view displays the user’s power output in watts, while the Power Zone view creates personalized power zones based on the user’s Functional Threshold Power. The update also allows users to view cycling metrics and experiences from their Apple Watch as a Live Activity on their iPhone, which can be mounted on a bike’s handlebar.
Additional updates include enhanced capabilities in the Compass app for hikers, with features such as location tracking, waypoints, and elevation alerts. The Apple Maps app now shows topography, hiking trails, and points of interest, making it more useful for outdoor adventures. There is also a new mood tracking feature accessible in the Mindfulness app, allowing users to reflect on their state of mind.
While watchOS 10 brings significant improvements to the Apple Watch, some features will be delayed until later this year. These include the NameDrop option for exchanging contact information, Audio Focus for Fitness+ to prioritize trainer voice or music, and media suggestions for the Smart Stack when no media is playing on a nearby HomePod.
Overall, watchOS 10 is a substantial update that enhances the functionality and user experience of the Apple Watch. With its redesigned interface, new watch faces, and improved apps, users can enjoy a more intuitive and personalized wearable experience.