During the iPhone 15 launch event on Tuesday, Apple made a significant announcement – the highly anticipated watchOS 10 is set to become available on September 18. This update represents a remarkable transformation for watchOS, introducing widgets reminiscent of the original “Glances” feature from the first Apple Watch. Instead of navigating through individual apps, watchOS 10 focuses on widgets integrated into every watch face. Simply turn the Digital Crown, and you’ll have instant access to features like timers, music, or your current podcast episode.
Given the historical complexity of multitasking on watchOS, Apple’s decision to center the platform around straightforward tasks is a logical step forward. This shift aligns with the popularity of the Siri watch face, which offers a similar array of widgets, making it easier for users to access essential functions.
As showcased at WWDC, watchOS 10 introduces two new watch faces – a vibrant Palette view and one featuring beloved characters Woodstock and Snoopy. Moreover, it brings a host of other enhancements to the table. Users can add convenient corner shortcuts to the Activity app, and the Compass app now automatically logs the last known location of cellular connectivity, a valuable feature for potential emergency calls.
To experience watchOS 10, you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, coupled with an iPhone XS running iOS 17. Our upcoming reviews of the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will provide in-depth insights into the performance and features of watchOS 10. In the meantime, you can explore early impressions of these watches from Cherlynn Low, Deputy Reviews Editor at Engadget, who covered the Cupertino event firsthand.
