# Is watchOS 10 a Major Update or Just Hype?
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Chapter 1: Overview of watchOS 10
It has been a few weeks since Apple introduced watchOS 10 during WWDC, and I have quite a few observations to share. Dubbed 'the big 10', this update is expected to signify substantial progress. Given that watchOS has maintained a familiar design for some time, a refreshing change is overdue.
While the Apple Watch has evolved into a more dedicated fitness device since its 2015 launch, it’s clear that a more modern aesthetic is needed. Unfortunately, it appears that only a portion of the upgrade has been fully realized. Nonetheless, watchOS 10 does bring some noteworthy enhancements that have piqued my interest.
Section 1.1: Revamped Apps and Widgets
Apple has revamped nearly all its applications in watchOS 10, optimizing them for the larger displays now available on the Apple Watch. The updated interfaces feature better content organization and a generous amount of 'white space', creating a more visually appealing user experience.
The refreshed applications are visually satisfying. Although these changes are not groundbreaking, they offer a welcome update that will make your Apple Watch feel new again. This is particularly beneficial for Apple Watch Ultra owners, who enjoy the largest display in the lineup, yet still experience the same user interface as other models.
Widgets are making a comeback in watchOS 10 through the introduction of iPhone-like Smart Stacks. These compact snippets of information can be scrolled using the Digital Crown and leverage machine learning to present relevant content at the right moment. As someone who has only begun to explore the full capabilities of my Apple Watch Ultra, I’m optimistic that these new widgets will motivate me to engage more deeply with the device.
Section 1.2: New Watch Faces
No Apple Watch software update would be complete without introducing new watch faces, right? This year, we’re treated to two new faces that prioritize fun over functionality.
The first is a playful design featuring Snoopy and Woodstock, both of whom respond to weather conditions and workouts. The second, Palette, emphasizes simplicity with three overlapping color layers that change throughout the day. While these watch faces may not revolutionize how you use your Apple Watch, they add a charming touch that can brighten your experience.
Chapter 2: Enhanced Fitness Features
As previously mentioned, the Apple Watch excels as a fitness device, and Apple has targeted improvements in cycling and hiking with watchOS 10. These updates provide insight into the fitness areas that users desire to see progress in.
Although I used to cycle regularly, I may not frequently utilize the new cycling features. However, I can appreciate their significance for avid cyclists. The highlight includes compatibility with Bluetooth cycling accessories that transmit data such as cadence, speed, and power—metrics that the Apple Watch does not currently measure.
Additionally, a new 'power zones' workout feature estimates your functional threshold power, which helps cyclists optimize their performance, albeit requiring a compatible power meter. A particularly exciting cycling feature links the Apple Watch to the iPhone, revealing your workout as a live activity on the iPhone screen. Tapping this will lead you to a full-screen view of your metrics—similar to what you’d find on Strava.
Section 2.1: Hiking Improvements
There are significant upgrades for hiking enthusiasts as well. Users can now access a three-dimensional overview of their routes, along with marked waypoints indicating the last cellular signal and emergency calling availability. The update also includes topographic maps and detailed trail information, encompassing distance, difficulty, elevation, and even photographs.
While these advancements are fantastic, my testing with the Apple Watch Ultra has shown that battery life remains a critical limitation for serious hikers. Perhaps a follow-up test later this year is in order!
Section 2.2: Mental and Vision Health
Mental health was a prominent theme at this year’s WWDC, and watchOS 10 introduces a feature to log your emotions and mental state. Users can select their feelings at any time, and this data syncs with the Health app, allowing users to analyze how their emotional well-being correlates with exercise, sleep, and mindfulness activities.
This is a commendable addition and pairs nicely with the upcoming Journal app in iOS 17. I assume that the mental health check-ins on the Apple Watch will feed into that app.
An unexpected feature is the focus on ‘vision health’. Apple has ingeniously decided to utilize the ambient light sensor on the Apple Watch to track the amount of time users spend outdoors. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of myopia. Parents can also monitor their children's daylight exposure, even if the child doesn't own an iPhone, simply by using an Apple Watch. While I support this effort, I wonder how many users will actively engage with these notifications without finding them bothersome.
Final Thoughts
I am eagerly anticipating the release of watchOS 10 later this year. Specifically, I am keen to revisit cycling features (for nostalgia) and explore the hiking capabilities of the Apple Watch Ultra.
In summary, watchOS 10 feels like a solid update, though perhaps not as monumental as its version number might imply. Given the success of the existing framework, it makes sense that Apple would avoid overhauling something that already performs admirably.
The fresh interface provided by the smart stacked widgets and the improved app designs will certainly breathe new life into our Apple Watches this fall. With additional features like those mentioned above and the introduction of Snoopy, it’s challenging to ask for more.
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