TechSmartwatchesWatchOS 10: release date, new features, compatible Apple Watches and moreAll new WatchOS 10 features coming to your Apple Watch explainedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesWatchOS 10: release date, new features, compatible Apple Watches and moreAll new WatchOS 10 features coming to your Apple Watch explainedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
All new WatchOS 10 features coming to your Apple Watch explained
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Jump to category:WatchOS 10: New features
Jump to category:WatchOS 10: New features
Below, you’ll find info about the upcoming Apple Watch update, as well as some commentary and helpful links to other articles going into more detail about WatchOS 10. In case you’re interested, we also covered the news about the upcomingiPhoneoperating system,iOS 17.
[UPDATE July 2023: Apple rolled out the Public Beta version of WatchOS 10 Beta, now available for download. To find out how to install it on your Apple Watch, check out our short explainer below.]
What’s WatchOS 10?
WatchOS 10 is the latest version of Apple’s operating system for the Apple Watch. It’s a wrist-sized iteration of iOS, the company’s smartphone operating system. The first WatchOS was released on 24 April 2015, along with the original Apple Watch. WatchOS 10 is said to be themost significant overhaulof the wearable operating system since it was launched.
When is WatchOS 10 out?
The developer beta of watchOS 10 is available to Apple Developer Program members starting 5 June 2023. A public beta will be available to watchOS users in July. WatchOS 10 will be available as a free software update in fall/autumn 2023.
How to get WatchOS 10 on your Apple Watch?
What Apple watches will get WatchOS 10?
The new Apple Watch 9, which will most likely get announced in September 2023 at the annual Apple Event, will probably be the first Apple Watch to get the WatchOS 10 treatment. However, previous Apple Watch iterations, including theApple Watch Series 8,Apple Watch Series 7, andApple Watch Ultra, will also likely receive an operating system update not long after. We expect to see all Apple Watch iterations, all the way back to theApple Watch 4, to get WatchOS 10.
How to install WatchOS 10 Public Beta on your Apple Watch
Apple released the WatchOS 10 Public Beta on 12 July 2023, and is now available to install on compatible Apple Watches. To install, you need to sign up for Apple’s Beta program (you can do it here) and go to Watch>General>Software Update on your iPhone. Please note: Apple Watch Beta software requires you to update your iPhone first.
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$749.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel$10.99$8.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 40mm$10.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 44mm$157.38ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$749.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel$10.99$8.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 40mm$10.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 44mm$157.38ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$749.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel$10.99$8.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 40mm$10.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 44mm$157.38ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$749.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel$10.99$8.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 40mm$10.99ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE 44mm$157.38ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra
$19.45View
$19.45
$19.45
See all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$749.99ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$749.99ViewSee all prices
$749.99View
$749.99
$749.99
See all prices
Apple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel$10.99$8.99ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel$10.99$8.99ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel
Apple Watch Series 7 - stainless steel
$10.99$8.99View
$10.99$8.99
$8.99
See all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
$249$199View
$249$199
$199
See all prices
Apple Watch SE 40mm$10.99ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE 40mm$10.99ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE 40mm
Apple Watch SE 40mm
$10.99View
$10.99
$10.99
See all prices
Apple Watch SE 44mm$157.38ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE 44mm$157.38ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE 44mm
Apple Watch SE 44mm
$157.38View
$157.38
$157.38
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
WatchOS 10: New features
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
New design language and navigation
There have been a lot of rumours circulating around the redesign of the user interface of the Apple Watch, and indeed, WatchOS 10 introduces some changes the wearable presents information. Spolier alert: the Digital Crown will play a pivotal role in operating the watch going forward.
One of the biggest updates to the watch faces is the new Smart Stack feature. It contains widgets that display timely information that adapts to the user’s context and can be revealed with a simple turn of the Digital Crown from any watch face. “Smart Stack also enables users to enjoy a beautiful watch face, like Portraits, while still offering a way to quickly access information they care about,” Apple explains.
For example, at the beginning of the day, Weather will show the forecast, or, when traveling, the Smart Stack will show boarding passes from Wallet. Calendar and Reminders will reshuffle to the top to display upcoming meetings or tasks, and apps that are running, such as Podcasts, will also move up so they are readily available.
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(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Cycling updates
WatchOS 10 will be huge for cyclists, similar to how WatchOS 9 brought along impressive updates for runners. The new software update offers advanced new metrics, views, and experiences. We’ll quote Apple verbatim below, as the company created an excellent, informative explainer of the new cycling features coming to an Apple Watch near you.
When a cycling workout is started from Apple Watch in watchOS 10, it will automatically show up as a Live Activity on iPhone and, when tapped, will utilise the full screen. Workout Views, such as Heart Rate Zones, Elevation, Race Route, Custom Workouts, and a new Cycling Speed view, have been optimised for the display size of an iPhone, which can be mounted to a bike for convenient, easy viewing during a ride.
Apple Watch can now automatically connect to Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories, such as power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors. This enables brand-new metrics, including cycling power (watts) and cadence (RPM), and additional Workout Views, including Power Zones. Bluetooth connection is supported for Indoor and Outdoor cycling workouts, as well as GymKit.
New algorithms combining sensor data from Apple Watch and connected power meters can estimate Functional Threshold Power (FTP), the highest level of cycling intensity that a rider could theoretically maintain for an hour. Using FTP, Apple Watch calculates personalised Power Zones, used to easily see the current zone and track how long is spent in each, which is an effective and popular way of improving performance.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Hiking and topographic maps
Hikers will also benefit from the WatchOS 10 updatein a big way. There are two significant updates to speak of: the new Compass waypoints and added topographic maps.
With watchOS 10, Compass automatically generates two new waypoints. A Last Cellular Connection Waypoint will estimate the last place with cellular reception, which may be helpful in checking messages or making a call. In case of emergencies, a Last Emergency Call Waypoint will estimate where on the route their device had the last connection to any available carrier’s network so that an emergency call can be made.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Health updates
Additionally, depression and anxiety assessments often used in clinics are now easily accessible in the Health app and can help you determine your risk level, connect to resources available in your region, and create a PDF to share with your doctor.
WatchOS 10 also introduces the ability to measure time spent in daylight using the ambient light sensor. You can view this information in the Health app on your iPhone oriPad.
Viewing something like a device or a book too closely has also been documented as myopia (nearsightedness) risk factor. The new Screen Distance feature uses the same TrueDepth camera that powers Face ID in iPad and iPhone to “encourage users to move their device farther away” after holding it closer than 12 inches for an extended period of time.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Other updates
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