Another year without a new iOS release featuring a major visual overhaul has left many iPhone users, including us, feeling disappointed. However, if you use an Apple Watch with your iPhone, there's good consolation. The Apple Watch has received its biggest software update yet—and we want to show you some of the great watchOS 10 features.
Nearly every app gets a new user interface with watchOS 10 on Apple Watch. Additionally, there's now support for widgets that put all the essential information you need in one place. Before we explore some of the cool watchOS 10 features, let's make sure your Apple Watch is compatible with watchOS 10 in the first place.
WATCHOS 10 Supported Devices and Release Date
Here are all the Apple Watch models that will receive the watchOS 10 update:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8 and later
- Apple Watch SE 1st Gen
- Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen
- Apple Watch Ultra and later
The watchOS 10 update will be available for all Apple Watch models listed above on September 18, 2023. Are you excited to update your Apple Watch? Here's what's in store for you!
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What's new in WATCHOS 10 on Apple Watch?
Here are some of the great watchOS 10 features available on Apple Watch with the watchOS 10 update. We're mostly excited about the visual redesign, and here's everything you need to know.
1. Visual redesign of almost all applications
Most of the apps built into watchOS 10 receive a design update. Apps make the most of the screen, and you'll see less empty space. The screen is filled with information in most cases, and it's also functional. Thanks to buttons on both ends of the screen, navigating the user interface is easier—though it may take some getting used to.
The user interface elements are more refined—and watchOS 10 moves away from the minimalist approach of previous iterations. The Weather app has to be our favorite redesign—it's been completely redesigned and looks more intuitive and modern.
Additionally, we also like the changes to the Sleep and Heart Rate apps. The Sleep app displays more information at a glance, and there's a new and improved animation as Apple Watch scans your pulse. The UI changes in watchOS 10 are definitely worthy of a feature in their own right, so we'll let you explore the rest!
2. A smart set of smart tools
Prepare Smart Stack of Widgets The one on the Apple Watch is our favorite feature. Swipe up from the watch face, and you'll see a collection of widget cards from apps. The first widget shows you the date and time, followed by all the widgets you can swipe through, and you have a three-in-one complication widget.
Finally, you'll be presented with the option to open the App Library. These widgets automatically place themselves in the stack based on relevant and time-sensitive information.
3. New watch faces
Looking at the watchOS update history, new watch faces are available with each update—and we're always excited about them. This year, we have a multicolored analog watch face called Pallete, where the colors move with the clock hands. 
And for all Peanuts fans, there's a Snoopy and Woodstock clock face. Snoopy and Woodstock interact with the clock hands and appear to be enjoying playtime around the clock face.
However, you can't switch between watch faces simply by swiping across your dial. You must tap and hold and then switch to the new watch face.
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4. New features for mindfulness and mental health
There are new mental health features where you can journal your mood. You can record how you're feeling at a particular moment or how you've been feeling throughout the day. There are soothing animations in subtle colors for each mood you can select.
You can further describe your mood and feelings, and over time, you can notice trends in how you feel. This can be key to understanding and being aware of your emotions.
5. Live cycling training activity
There are major changes to cycling in watchOS 10. You can start a cycling workout on your Apple Watch, which will appear as a live activity on your iPhone. Live activity will display all the stats and data from your activity. This will help if you mount your iPhone on your bike.
6. Topographic display and offline maps
The Maps app on Apple Watch will display topographic views of the United States—for exploring valleys, mountains, rivers, and more—with contour lines, trails, and elevation. You'll also receive notifications when you exceed a certain elevation limit.
Additionally, the Maps app on watchOS also displays information related to different hiking trails, with comprehensive information including difficulty, distance from point to point, elevation gain, etc.
watchOS 10 also brings support for offline maps, along with iOS 17. Once you download an offline map on your iPhone, you can access it offline on your Apple Watch.
7. Optimal charging limit
Maximum Charge, a feature previously exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra, is available on Apple Watch SE, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8 with watchOS 10.
watchOS 10 learns your usage patterns and will charge your Apple Watch to 100% only when needed—otherwise, it will charge to an "optimum threshold" that's set based on your usage. This feature may positively impact the long-term health of your Apple Watch battery.
8. Energy Zones Test View
The Apple Watch will measure what is called Functional threshold strength In your workouts. This is the highest intensity level you can maintain for one hour of exercise. This enables different power zones, and you'll see which zone you're currently in. You can track the time you spend in each zone and improve your performance to reach your highest zone.
9. XNUMXD compass display
A standout new feature in the new, redesigned Compass app is the 3D view. This 3D view shows all the waypoints during your journey—the point where cellular connectivity was last available and the points where emergency calls can be made. A 3D view of all these points can help you navigate to them more easily.
10. Namedrop on Apple Watch (coming later this year)
Name Drop was introduced with iOS 17, allowing you to share your contact card with another Apple device with a single tap. The feature will also be available on watchOS 10 later this year.
These were some of the most noteworthy features of watchOS 10 on Apple Watch. If you have more questions, check out the FAQ section below.
Frequently asked questions about great watchOS 10 features
Q1. How to switch from the watchOS 10 beta to the public release?
The answer: You can go to General > Software Updates > Turn off beta updates in the Watch app on your iPhone.
Q2. Can I update to watchOS 10 with iOS 16 on my iPhone?
The answer: No. To update to watchOS 10 on your Apple Watch, you must install the iOS 17 update on your paired iPhone.
Q3. Does watchOS 10 improve performance and battery life?
The answer: Navigating the user interface feels noticeably smoother on watchOS 10. However, we didn't notice any improvements in battery life.
Q4. How do I open Control Center on Apple Watch with watchOS 10?
The answer: You can tap the side button in any app to open Control Center on your Apple Watch running watchOS 10.
The biggest update to the Apple Watch software
Available Watch 10 On all compatible Apple Watch models starting September 18, 2023. What are you waiting for? Download and install the new update, and let us know your favorite cool new watchOS 10 features in the comments section below!
