Apple is commonly accused of charging an excessive amount of cash for its merchandise, however among the firm’s most momentous releases are free. Such because the annual main software program updates for the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch, which unlock a raft of latest options at no additional expense.
This yr, in reality, the watchOS 10 software program replace (value: $0) is anticipated to be significantly extra vital than this yr’s new {hardware}. The Apple Watch Collection 9 (probably value: $399 and upwards) has been labeled “something however main,” whereas the brand new OS is anticipated to carry “larger enhancements, together with an up to date interface.”
This text is our watchOS 10 deep dive, sifting by means of the leaks and rumors to carry you the very best out there details about its launch schedule, {hardware} compatibility, and vary of interface adjustments and new options. WWDC can’t come quickly sufficient!
watchOS 10 launch date: When will watchOS 10 arrive?
watchOS 10 might be introduced at WWDC 2023 on June 5, enter a prolonged beta testing course of, and at last turn out to be out there for official public obtain within the fall.
It’s price noting that Apple hasn’t but introduced any of this (apart from the date of WWDC), however the firm’s OS updates observe a predictable sample. Each summer season, Apple declares main new variations of watchOS, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS. It demonstrates some or all of those at its WWDC gathering–the stage time varies relying on what Apple thinks is most attention-grabbing to the viewers–after which begins beta testing. The ultimate releases typically seem in September (watchOS 9 was launched on September 9 in 2022), at roughly the identical time because the yr’s new iPhones and Apple Watches are launched.
Right here’s the schedule we anticipate for watchOS 10:
- June 5: watchOS 10 is unveiled on the WWDC keynote presentation.
- June 5: First developer beta is launched.
- July: First public beta is launched.
- June-September: A collection of betas are launched, steadily getting nearer to the ultimate product.
- September: watchOS 10.0 is rolled out to the general public.
watchOS 10 compatibility: Which Apple Watches will be capable of run watchOS 10?
We anticipate watchOS 10 to run on the identical units as watchOS 9: the Apple Watch Collection 4 and later. However we received’t know for positive till WWDC.
The latest sample has been that Apple trims its record of appropriate fashions each different yr. In 2018, watchOS 5 dropped assist for the first-gen Apple Watch; in 2020, watchOS 7 dropped the Collection 1 and a couple of; and in 2022, watchOS 9 dropped the Collection 3. That’s why we predict watchOS 10 will chorus from swinging the axe, and the Collection 4 will dwell for yet another yr–though it could not get entry to the complete vary of latest options.
After all, every model of watchOS additionally has an inventory of appropriate iPhones: in the interim, every Apple Watch must have a paired iPhone with iOS 17. In 2019, watchOS 6 dropped assist for the iPhone 5, 6, and 6 Plus; the remaining iPhones lasted one other three years, however in 2022, watchOS 9 dropped the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the 7 and seven Plus, and the 2016 iPhone SE. Following that massacre, our suspicion is that the iPhone 8 and later will once more be appropriate with the brand new model of watchOS this yr.
watchOS 10: The best way to set up the beta and full model
As soon as watchOS 10 is right here for actual, putting in it in your Apple Watch might be straightforward. Merely open the Watch app on the companion iPhone, be sure to’re within the My Watch tab, then go to Common > Software program Replace and observe the onscreen directions. You could must replace the iPhone first.
You’ll additionally be capable of check out a beta of watchOS 10 earlier than the autumn. To try this, you’ll want to hitch Apple’s beta program and perceive that some options in your watch would possibly break. Apple is streamlining the beta course of in watchOS 9.5, so that you’ll solely must signal into your Apple ID to get betas on all your units, and you may simply swap them off if you wish to cease receiving them. In the identical Software program Replace tab, you’ll see a brand new watchOS 10 Beta tab that may allow you to swap from watchOS 9 updates to watchOS 10 updates.
watchOS 10: Rumored new options
The brand new model of watchOS will embody umpteen small tweaks designed to enhance the reliability of present capabilities, however the true meat of Apple’s announcement will concentrate on the brand new issues you’ll quickly be capable of do along with your Apple Watch and the brand new methods you’ll work together with it. Listed below are the brand new options and main adjustments we anticipate in watchOS 10.
Revamped apps
In keeping with a report by Mark Gurman in June 2023, Apple is planning to overtake all of its “core apps” in watchOS 10 to “reap the benefits of the bigger shows on the Apple Watch Extremely and bigger customary watches.” the unique watchOS was designed for a 38mm show and the Apple Watch’s show has elevated considerably since then, with the Collection 8 having 41mm and 45mm shows, and the Apple Watch Extremely sporting a 49mm show. It’s not clear whether or not the OS may have totally different layouts for the bigger screens as Apple did with some apps and components on the Apple Watch Extremely.
Up to date interface
The consumer’s consolation with a digital interface is as a lot about familiarity as sound design ideas, and any main change on this space is bound to result in pushback; that’s what Apple skilled with the radically redesigned and initially unpopular iOS 7 again in 2013. However Mark Gurman, the leaker/Bloomberg reporter who predicted large issues for the Apple Watch this yr, was cautious to make use of the phrase up to date quite than new to explain the watchOS 10 interface. It’ll be totally different, but it surely doesn’t sound prefer it’ll be completely totally different.
Extra element about what this can appear to be emerged on April 18, when leaker Analyst 941 on Twitter (Nameless-A.S on the Macrumors boards) predicted “a redesigned dwelling display screen structure/grid” and stated this might be “a lot simpler to make use of, transfer, & act extra acquainted to iOS, together with folders.” The prediction was accompanied by renders exhibiting very giant icons lined up in straight rows and columns (versus the space-saving tessellating honeycomb sample presently used) and a tough visible of how folders will work.
Sadly, the tweet containing this data was later eliminated. Analyst 941 who had scored just a few hits with correct predictions, was busted by Apple who found that his supply was his sister, who occurred to be an Apple worker. The leaker could effectively have been fed incorrect data by Apple whereas they have been making an attempt to determine his supply.
It’s honest to say that the present honeycomb grid isn’t straightforward to make use of, as a result of the icons are small and haphazardly organized, whereas their closeness to 1 one other makes it straightforward to open the fallacious app. The record view is a greater possibility for many Apple Watch house owners, however having bigger and extra recurrently organized icons looks like a win, even when the thought of folders on such a small display screen is much less interesting.
Even when the final concept is right, the main points and execution are nonetheless up within the air. The tough renders after all look barely awkward, however Apple’s designers would be capable of create one thing extra polished. However as soon as we’re used to it, this may very well be a really usable interface.
Well being and different new apps
Apple likes to supply a wholly new app to headline an OS replace, resembling Breathe in watchOS 3 and Walkie Talkie in watchOS 5, however we’ve not heard any rumors of one thing related this yr. What we’re listening to is that Apple could carry the present Well being app to the Apple Watch… though the origin of this concept is unclear. (On the time of writing BGR confidently states that Apple “is anticipated to carry the Well being app for the Apple Watch,” with out citing a supply; Tom’s Information, in the meantime, mentions this as one thing it might like to occur, and we surprise if wires have turn out to be crossed someplace alongside the road.) Nonetheless, it might make sense for the Apple Watch to get a centralized well being dashboard, given its rising centrality to Apple’s well being and health efforts.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has additionally indicated that Apple is engaged on a undertaking with the code-name “Quartz” that might be an “AI coach” for well being and wellness that works on the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Quartz is claimed to make use of knowledge from Apple Watch and the Well being app to “make options and create teaching packages tailor-made to particular customers,” in line with Gurman. The service will carry its personal month-to-month payment and have its personal app. The service isn’t anticipated to launch till 2024 although, so, whereas Apple could preview it at WWD, it’s unlikely to reach within the first model of iWatchOS 10 in September 2023.
Widgets
In keeping with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman Apple might be targeted on widgets quite than apps in WatchOS 10. Analyst941 additionally collaborated this on Twitter earlier than his account closed.
Gurman signifies {that a} set of widgets will seem on the display screen and the crown button is used to scroll by means of them, with dynamically up to date data being displayed.
This can be a main departure from the app-based UI, and it could simply be non-obligatory when launched in order to not confuse customers.
Most individuals use the Apple Look ahead to fast entry to knowledge quite than to make use of apps, so a Widget-based UI that gives quick access to a number of knowledge factors looks as if a superior possibility.
A number of gadget pairing
In keeping with Analyst941 (previous to his Twitter account being closed–see above for extra details about that), Apple is trying to take away one of many greatest Apple Watch limitations: gadget syncing. Because it stands, Apple Watches should be paired to an iPhone and just one iPhone at a time. Analyst941, who has leaked correct Apple data up to now, the characteristic will enable Apple Watches to “sync throughout a number of iOS/iPadOS/Mac units, and can now not be tied to 1 single iPhone.” The leaker is unsure whether or not it’s a watchOS 10 characteristic or deliberate for a future launch however we’re maintaining our fingers crossed that it’s included in watchOS 10.
Miscellaneous adjustments
There are specific options Apple provides to its smartwatch annually as a matter of routine. watchOS 10 will nearly actually see the addition of latest faces, for instance, and there might be new problems for the faces we’ve already bought. There’s a great probability the Exercise app will get a brand new routine or two. Sleep monitoring will in all probability be tweaked a little bit extra because it’s nonetheless behind the equal characteristic on Fitbit.
None of those is large enough to headline a keynote, since they’re anticipated. However small iterative enhancements are nonetheless an vital a part of the worth provided by Apple’s free yearly updates.
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Additional studying
With no spring occasion held earlier this yr, WWDC 2023 must be a cracker of an occasion, with a great deal of main bulletins anticipated.
On the software program aspect, watchOS 10 might be accompanied by 4 different working system updates, of which essentially the most vital will in all probability be iOS 17 (which might see the arrival of sideloading on the iPhone for the primary time) and macOS 14 for the Mac.
However there must be new {hardware} too. Apple want to construct the occasion round its long-awaited mixed-reality headset, the primary in a wholly new ecosystem of merchandise that would ultimately surpass the iPhone in significance–though the phrase “might” is carrying a whole lot of weight for this troubled and often-delayed undertaking.
There are additionally new Macs within the pipeline. There may very well be as many as three new MacBooks, together with a brand new 15-inch MacBook Air, and Apple followers dare to hope the corporate will lastly carry the Mac Professional into the realms of Apple silicon.