AtWWDC 2023Monday , Apple announced thewatchOS 10software update , which brings a complete rethinking of how we use and interact with the Apple Watch . While aleakahead of the case that claimed the fellowship was redesigning the famous Grid View of apps did n’t happen , other fundamental aspects of the interface have pick up major revamps .
“ With watchOS 10 , we ’ve redesigned the user interface , allowing users to experience Apple Watch like never before,”saidAlan Dye , Apple ’s frailty chairperson of Human Interface Design .
The most outstanding modification is the innovation of the new Smart Stack , a assembling of widgets approachable from any watch cheek ( with a bout of the Digital Crown ) that aline the info presented to the user based on the context of use : weather condition information at the start of the daylight , for example , or boarding pass when travel . By focusing on snack - sized version of apps with key datum rather than full apps , Apple is test to find the optimum direction to reduce interaction and maximize informativeness . This is the key engagement when making a smartwatch interface usable .
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Another illustration of this change in philosophy — by from apps and towards pungency - sized chunk of data and mini toggles — is the young way Control Center is accessed . Instead of swiping up from the bottom of the screen , you use the side button , which should be a lot easy . The app dock ( get at in watchOS 9 using the side clitoris ) is now accessed by double - press the Digital Crown .
legion apps themselves have been redesigned , with the vulgar theme being an expansion of their interface to take up more of the Apple Watch ’s screen ; framing article of furniture and blank space around the edge of the port has been minimize . The atmospheric condition , Music , and stock apps , for example , get colorful backcloth look-alike to illustrate the current conditions or creative person playing , or to match the stock currently being viewed . likewise , incoming birdsong are signalize with a full - screenland notice showing the contact prototype for the caller . And the Activity app stick extra icon clit around the edge of the rings . Apple say some third - political party apps have already make out up with unexampled design to match this style , and that others will be able to play along soon .
Other apps have been redesigned more fundamentally to make them easy to employ . The main interface of the Messages app is now organized according to contact , with contact face icon instead of the first channel of recent substance ; this seems more intuitive but the deprivation of those previews may testify a negative . These redesign decisions are so meaning and fundamental that it will take time to appraise their impact .
Health and fitness features
There are legion less rudimentary changes in watchOS 10 , although this is n’t to downplay their importance .
The Apple Watch is go along ( and change ) its focal point on health and physical fitness . The Mindfulness app gets the ability to log emotion and moods , information that can then be analyzed in the Health app on iPhone to identify concerns and get hold solution . Apple Watches running watchOS 10 will be able-bodied to appraise meter spent in day using the light sensor and this too can be monitor in Health . And the Medications app gains the ability to chase up with follow - up reminders when the user does n’t log the employment of a medicine .
On the fitness side , Apple announced the young ability to connect your Apple Watch mechanically to Bluetooth cycling appurtenance such as stop number sensing element , as well as new algorithms for monitoring cycling performance . Cycling workouts will now show up on the associate iPhone and be offer as a fullscreen display so you could get more visual data when using a earpiece holder on your bike . This includes a new Cycling Speed persuasion .
Other changes
Like most watchOS updates , this one include new watch face . There ’s Palette , a minimalist design whose color wobble over fourth dimension , and a Snoopy face for fans of the Peanuts cartoon .
Also in the miscellaneous family , you could now see FaceTime video content on your Apple Watch , and easily deal your contact details by bringing your Apple Watch nigh to someone else ’s iPhone .
Which devices get watchOS 10?
watchOS 10 will become available in the spill and is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later . The companion iPhone needs to be an XS or after and must be runningiOS 17 .
