New Apple WatchOS 10 features are out this year! Yes, you heard me right.
WatchOS 10 is here, bringing a wealth of useful new features and enhancements to make your wrist companion enjoyable. From redesigned apps to innovative tools for cyclists and hikers, WatchOS 10 has something for everyone.
1. Widgets and Smart Stacks
Get ready to customize your watch face like never before. With WatchOS 10, Apple introduces widgets that can be added to your watch face.
The Smart Stacks features dynamically update based on your usage, time of day, calendar appointments, weather details, and activity rings.
Turn the digital crown or swipe up from the watch face to access your personalized Stack. You can even customize the Stack further by removing or pinning apps, just like you would on your iPhone.
2. Redesigned Stock Apps
Apple has given a fresh look to its stock apps, making them more informative and visually appealing. Weather now offers different views of air quality, wind speed, and humidity with a simple tap or a turn of the crown.
The activity provides a weekly summary, awards, challenges, and a detailed time view of your rings’ progress.
Messages display pinned contact names and photos on the first open, enhancing your messaging experience. And Heart Rate features a new animation when reading your vitals, adding a touch of fun to your health tracking.
Additionally, you can quickly switch between the Apple Watch list view and the bubble app view.
3. New Watch Faces
WatchOS updates always bring exciting new watch faces, and WatchOS 10 is no exception. Say hello to Snoopy and Woodstock, who can accompany you throughout the day with charming animations that change based on your activities or the time of day.
If you prefer a more customizable face, the new Palette face offers three color layers that dynamically change based on the positions of the hour and second hands. With four complication slots around the edge, you can have the information you need at a glance.
4. Enhanced Tools for Cyclists and Hikers
Apple continues to improve its offerings for fitness enthusiasts. WatchOS 10 introduces enhanced features for cyclists, turning your iPhone into a bike computer.
When you start a cycling workout on your Apple Watch, your iPhone will display a Live Activity on the lock screen, allowing you to view all your activity metrics, HR zones, splits, elevation, and speed on a larger screen mounted to your handlebars.
You can even mark segments, pause the workout, and lock the screen controls to prevent accidental presses.
Combining your iPhone and Apple Watch provides a safer and more convenient cycling experience. Additionally, WatchOS 10 offers support for Bluetooth accessories like power meter pedals, catering to the needs of severe cyclists with detailed metrics such as cadence and power.
5. Topographic Maps and Hiking Features
For outdoor enthusiasts, WatchOS 10 brings topographic maps to Apple Maps on your Apple Watch. Zoom in with the digital crown to explore contour lines, trails, rivers, and valley details.
You can also find nearby trails and view their difficulty levels, making it easier to plan your hiking adventures. During a hiking workout, the Apple Watch provides elevation alerts right on your wrist, keeping you informed about changes in terrain.
6. Optimized Charging
WatchOS 10 introduces Optimized Charge Limit, a feature that allows your Apple Watch to learn about your charging habits and determine the optimal time to reach a full charge. This feature was initially available on the Apple Watch Ultra but now extends to the SE, Series 6, 7, and 8 models.
When active, you’ll see an open charge ring on the screen while your Apple Watch is on the charger. If you need to charge beyond the optimized time, tap the circle and press “Charge to full now.” This feature takes some time to learn your charging patterns and works best in locations where you frequently charge your watch.
Did you know?
WatchOS 10 is currently available as a public beta. Therefore, you can experiment with the new features. Keep in mind that they are subject to alteration before the final release.
To install the WatchOS 10 beta, install the iOS 17 public beta on your iPhone. And always back up your Apple Watch and iPhone before installing beta software for a smooth experience.
So, what can you count in this article? We’ll take a closer insight into the standout features of WatchOS 10 and a quick preview of what’s to come later this year.
WatchOS 10 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Widgets and Smart Stacks | Introduces widgets and Smart Stacks allowing for dynamic updates and customization. Users can access the stack providing convenient access to information at a glance. |
| Redesigned Stock Apps | Enhances the stock apps such as Weather app, Activity app, Messages app and Heart Rate app features. |
| New Watch Faces | Introduces new watch faces, including Snoopy and Palette. The Snoopy face offers engaging animations and the Palette face allows for customizable color layers. |
| Tools for Cyclists | Enhances cycling features turning the iPhone into a bike computer. These include Live Activity, heart rate zones, elevation, speed, and supports Bluetooth accessories. |
| Tools for Hikers | Provides additional tools for hikers, including topographic maps, access nearby trail suggestions and receive elevation alerts on their Apple Watch. |
| Optimized Charging | Enables the Apple Watch to learn charging habits and suggests optimal times to reach a full charge. |
| Additional Enhancements | WatchOS 10 brings several other improvements, such as easier switching between the list view and bubble app view, a 3D view in the Compass app, logging moods in the Mindfulness app, and the NameDrop feature for sharing contact details. |
FAQs
What will watchOS 10 have?
WatchOS 10 will have redesigned apps and new watch faces like Snoopy and Palette, enhanced tools for cyclists and hikers, optimized charging, and more. Its goals are to improve the user experience and provide additional capabilities to Apple Watch users.
What features are coming to the new Apple Watch?
The new Apple Watch features include widgets and Smart Stacks, redesigned stock apps with more information, new watch faces like Snoopy and Palette, tools for cyclists and hikers, optimized charging, and various other enhancements.
Will watchOS 10 work with iOS 16?
WatchOS 10 will not work with iOS 16 but with iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or later with iOS 17. It’s important to note that typically Apple ensures compatibility between their software updates. However, it is always recommended to check the official compatibility information from Apple to confirm the compatibility between watchOS 10 and iOS 16.
Is watchOS 10 available?
According to the information provided, the WatchOS 10 is available in public beta for installation. However, exercising caution while putting in beta software is crucial, as functions are challenging to exchange earlier than the last release.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, WatchOS 10 elevates the Apple Watch experience with its redesigned apps, customizable watch faces, enhanced fitness tools, and valuable features for outdoor enthusiasts.
These features provide a glimpse into the future of Apple Watch; it is crucial to recollect that they’re part of the beta version. That means it is subject to refinement before the official release.
