If sources are to be trusted, watchOS 10 is shaping up to be one of the most significant software updates for Apple’s wearables. The forthcoming software iteration may concentrate on overhauling the UI of Apple Watches, which has seen minimal visual changes across several watchOS versions.
While Apple might prioritize introducing a revamped and more intuitive interface, the iPhone-maker could also implement optimizations to some core features, similar to what was done in watchOS 9. The following points highlight what has us excited about the release of watchOS 10, keeping in mind that these are based on speculations and rumors at this stage.
watchOS 10 release date and availability
The watchOS 10 is expected to be announced in June 2023 at WWDC23. Similar to the past years, developers will be provided access to test the OS a few days after the event.
watchOS 10: All the rumored features and changes
Redesigned home screen layout
For many years, Apple has maintained the watchOS home screen layout in a fixed or honeycomb grid view. According to a recent report of leaker @Analyst941, Apple may introduce an iPhone-like UI in watchOS 10, allowing users to group apps or even organize them into folders. This coincides with the forecast of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman which alleges of a “notable” change in the interface for the Apple Watch.
The extent of this customization remains uncertain, considering the limited screen real estate of a smartwatch. Nevertheless, we’re eager to see how Cupertino will provide a refreshing approach to the watch’s home screen.
Widgets on the home screen and watch faces
As told by Gurman, Apple may finally introduce widgets in watchOS 10, potentially mirroring the dynamic functionality of widgets in iOS 16 and taking cues from the Glances that first appeared on the original Apple Watch Series. It is rumored that a dedicated widget dashboard will be added, accessible through a press or dial on the crown.
Programmable digital crown
Support for Apple’s Reality Pro AR/VR headset
The iPhone-maker is set to launch its first-ever AR/VR headset this year. It is suggested that Apple Watches and AirPods will be used as controllers for the headset. With this in mind, Apple will likely introduce a dedicated app and incorporate more pairing settings for watchOS 10 to enable seamless integration with Apple’s Reality Pro.
Redesigned Apple Wallet and Health watchOS apps
Shareable watch faces
Another iOS 17 feature that might be incorporated into Apple Watches is the shareable wallpaper layouts, or watch faces in the case of watchOS. It is unclear whether custom watch faces will be shared directly through the watch or exclusively via the watch app on the iPhone.
watchOS 10 Compatibility: Which Apple Watch models can be updated?
There is no official list of Apple Watch models that will be supported by watchOS 10. However, Apple might discontinue support for the Apple Watch Series 4 with watchOS 10 this year, following the precedent set by the exclusion of the Watch Series 3 from watchOS 9 support.
Based on this, the following Apple Watch models are likely to be compatible with watchOS 10: