Apple showcases its upcoming software updates at WWDC every year, including for watchOS. But in recent years, not much has changed when it comes to Apple Watch software. That changes with watchOS 10, which looks to be one of Apple Watch’s biggest updates in years. With a new user interface called Smart Stack on the way, Apple Watch users will soon be able to interact with information on their wrist in a whole new way.
watchOS 10 Features
There are lots of significant changes coming to the Apple Watch this year. All improvements announced by Apple are listed below. A second list tracks improvements reported by users:
watchOS 10 Features Unveiled by Apple
Here are the 14 enhancements showcased during the keynote:
- Revamped Apps – Most of the popular Apple Watch app have been upgraded. They use the entire display to show the content.
- Smart Stack – is able to host widgets that surface when you most need them. In watchOS 10 you have to turn the Digital Crown to reveal the widgets.
- New Ways to Navigate – Press Side Button to bring up Control Center in any app.
- Palette Watch Face has, according to its name, an array of colors that change throughout the day.
- Snoopy and Woodstuck are definitely funny to watch reacting to the weather in this new Watch Face. They’re also interactive with you|
- Mental Health – Is an enhancement to the Mindfulness app that allows users to reflect and log their state of mind.
- Topographic maps – is a watchOS 10 feature that allows you to explore your surroundings like mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers in details that include rails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest.
- Time in daylight – tracks the amount of time the users spends in daylight, allowing parents to care that their kids have enough daylight time.
- Group FaceTime audio – are now supported in watchOS 10.
- Dynamic 3D elevation dial – this watchOS 10 enhancement allows you to review your path using Elevation Views. Apple Watch can show estimates to the last position that you had Cellular Connectivity Waypoints. Another waypoint lets you know where emergency calls are possible.
- NameDrop – a new and easy way to share your contact information with a new person. Tap the My Card complication and bring your Apple Watch face to face with the other persons watchOS device.
- Power Zones – Apple Watch can automatically estimate your Functional Threshold Power (the highest level of intensity you can maintain for an hour). Power Zones can show which zone you’re in and track how long you spend in each zone to improve your performance!Fact: A power meter is required for this feature.
- New features for Fitness+ – Custom Plan allows you to plan your exercising based on your personal workout preferences. Workout Stacks are now also available.
watchOS 10 New Features Uncovered
Other changes spotted during beta testing are listed here:
1. Wallet displays a default card when you tap a reader without authorization, to protect your card details from sneak peeks. Reported by kormaxmac.
2. New Maps Views and the default view in now Maps instead of Turn by turn navigation. Noticed by ImTiagoSousa.
3. To be updated. (Contribute in the comments!)
Can my Apple Watch run watchOS 10?
Although Apple is known for its robust software support, not all Apple Watches can upgrade to watchOS 10. Upgrading to watchOS 10 requires an Apple Watch to be paired with an iPhone XS, XR, or newer that is running iOS 17. The watch itself must be an Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch SE, or later. Here is the full list of compatible 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
Fortunately, all Apple Watches that were supported in watchOS 9 can also run watchOS 10. However, it should be noted that not all features of watchOS 10 are available on all devices. Some are exclusive to newer models, like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra.
