Apple has officially launched watchOS 10, the latest version of its Apple Watch operating system, bringing a significant redesign, new watch faces, and improved fitness and health tracking capabilities. The update, first previewed at WWDC in June 2023, became publicly available on September 18, coinciding with the release of new Apple Watch models.
A Fresh Interface with Smart Stack and Redesigned Apps
The most noticeable change in watchOS 10 is the introduction of Smart Stack, a dynamic widget system that surfaces relevant information based on user habits. By rotating the Digital Crown, users can quickly access weather updates, calendar events, and other key details without navigating multiple apps.
Apple has also streamlined several built-in apps, including Weather, Home, Maps, Messages, and Stocks, making them more glanceable with less tapping required. These design improvements are now available for third-party developers to adopt.
New Watch Faces: Palette and Snoopy
Two new watch faces add personality to the Apple Watch:
Palette: Displays the time in shifting, multicolored layers.
Snoopy: Features playful animations with characters from the beloved Peanuts comic strip.
Advanced Fitness and Outdoor Features
Cyclists gain powerful new tools, including:
Live Activity on iPhone: Displays full-screen workout metrics like heart rate zones, elevation, and speed.
Bluetooth sensor support: Tracks cycling power, cadence, and Functional Threshold Power (FTP).
Hikers benefit from enhanced Compass app features, such as:
Last Cellular Connection Waypoint: Marks the final spot with cellular service for emergency calls.
Topographic Maps (U.S. only): Shows contour lines, elevation data, and trail difficulty.
Mental Health and Wellness Enhancements
The Mindfulness app now includes mood logging, helping users track emotional patterns over time. Meanwhile, the Medications app sends critical reminders if a dose is missed.
Parents can monitor children’s outdoor exposure with a daylight tracking feature, encouraging 80–120 minutes of daily sunlight to reduce myopia risk.
Connectivity and Sharing Upgrades
- NameDrop – Share contact details by holding the Apple Watch near an iPhone.
- Offline Maps – View downloaded maps directly on the watch.
- Group FaceTime Audio – Join multi-person calls from the wrist.
Developer Tools and Fitness+ Upgrades
New APIs enable golf swing and tennis racket motion detection, while Custom Plans in Apple Fitness+ allow personalized workout schedules. Availability: watchOS 10 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
