The new Apple Watch Series 9 is en route, so is the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple has announced that its watchOS 10 operating system will be released for Apple Watch Series 4 and later models on Monday, September 18.
Prevalent changes within watchOS 10 will include Control Center now being accessed accessed by pressing the side button, while swiping up from any watch face reveals widgets in a customizable Smart Stack that can be swiped through to see relevant information. Turning the Digital Crown achieves the same thing.
Several apps have been entirely redesigned with a simpler, information-forward design. Weather, for example, shows the temperature and conditions of your current location, with a quick scroll offering an hourly forecast so users no longer have to tap to get more information.
Apple has added its Palette and Snoopy watch faces, as well as included updates to its Cycling and Hiking workouts, along with mental health integrations to support new health features in iOS 17. Users can log their state of mind and mood using the Apple Watch, with the device providing insights into mental health over time.
Additional changes include support for Apple’s forthcoming NameDrop feature in iOS 17. Rather than type in the number of someone new to call or text them so that they have the other person’s number, NameDrop allows users to simply hold their iPhone near their iPhone to swap contact details. The feature works between two iPhones, and between an iPhone and an Apple Watch. The feature also works between two Apple Watches.
Other changes include a new Custom Plan feature in the Apple Fitness+ app, which allows users to tailor workout routines by selecting day, duration, workout type, music, and trainer.
Apple seeded the release candidate version of the forthcoming watchOS 10 operating system to developers on Monday. The release candidate, or RC, represents the final version of the software that will be released to the public, barring the last-minute discovery of any show-stopping bugs.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors