Undoubtedly, one of the most important news of WWDC 2023 is the presentation of watchOS 10, a new version of the Apple Watch operating system and a turning point for Apple smartwatches. The company has completely updated the operating system of the watch to give it a more modern look and, above all, more practical for everyday interaction. Subtle changes that make the new operating system more focused on quickly accessing all the information you need, depending on the context of the day.
In this sense, one of the most interesting innovations is, as in iOS and macOS, the addition of widgets that show quick access to information about the application. Apple supplied special interest in the word speed regarding access to informationand this is where contextual adaptation of content based on user usage also comes into play.
With watchOS 10, apps use the full screen size and developers have access to more layout options for displaying information on the screen. For example, in the case of the Fitness app, access to each section is now allowed (movement, exercises), with new full size interface which shows more information. This opens the door to more details on each workout and each section, such as a redesigned trophy case and tips from trainers at Apple Fitness+.
But it’s not just Finty. All Apple Watch apps, including Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps, Messages, Clock, and more, have been redesigned to take full advantage of the Apple Watch screen for more visual information.
watchOS 10 also includes widgets in a new watch face called Smart Stack. Smart Stack Widgets display real-time information that adapts to the user’s context and They can be operated by simply turning the digital crown from any dial. For example, at the beginning of the day, the Weather will display the forecast, and while traveling, Smart Stack will display boarding passes from Wallet. Other apps like Calendar and Reminders will be moved to the top to show upcoming appointments or tasks, while running apps like Podcasts will also be shown at the top to make them accessible:
Of course, the new design isn’t limited to Apple apps as developers can also use the new design language to update their apps. The interface change also means changes in how we use the watch. For example, in watchOS 10, the Control Center is accessible via the side button, making it easy and quick to open it anytime from any app. And double-clicking on the crown will take you back to any recently used app.
watchOS 10: Improvements to the cycling workout app and new health metrics
And just as Apple did last year pushing the possibilities of running with a watch, this year it’s cycling’s turn. watchOS 10 includes the ability to connect to an external measuring device for cyclists and adds new metrics. WatchOS 10 includes new algorithms that combine data from Apple Watch sensors with data from external power meters to estimate Functional Threshold Power (FTP), the highest level of cycling intensity that a cyclist can theoretically sustain for an hour. And using FTP, Apple Watch calculates custom power zones.
And most interestingly, the option for make the iPhone a kind of monitor of all information from the Apple Watch during your cycling workout on the big screen of your iPhone, which is ideal for wearing on the handlebars of your bike for more accessible information during the race.
Another interesting improvement that Ultra users will especially like is the inclusion of topographic maps, which, although they will also be available in standard versions of the watch, will be used by users of Apple’s most powerful watch (only in the US so far). ).Single, yes).
watchOS 10 also lets you record instant emotions and daily moods through the Mindfulness app. All data is stored securely and with complete confidentiality. In addition to emotions, Apple Watch can track time spent in daylight using the ambient light sensor. Users will be able to see this information in the Health app on an iPhone or iPad as the watch records it in the background without the need for interaction. The other feature is more iPhone-focused, but Health is screen distance, which uses the same TrueDepth camera as Face ID on iPad and iPhone to warn you if you’re using the device too close to your eyes, which can cause health problems.
New faces in watchOS 10
As usual with every operating system, watchOS 10 also includes two new artistic and joyful faces: Palette and Snoopy. The palette represents the weather in a wide variety of colors using three different overlays, and as the weather changes, the colors on the screen also change. And Snoopy is added to the rest of the spheres, like Mickey.
watchOS 10 availability and compatibility
As usual, watchOS 10 will be available this fall as a free software update for Apple Watch Series 4 or later paired with an iPhone Xs or later running iOS 17. Currently only available to developers, the beta will be available starting today, June 5th.
Source: Hiper Textual
I’m Ben Stock, a highly experienced and passionate journalist with a career in the news industry spanning more than 10 years. I specialize in writing content for websites, including researching and interviewing sources to produce engaging articles. My current role is as an author at Gadget Onus, where I mainly cover the mobile section.
