Unveiling the New Features of watchOS 10 for Apple Watch Users
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Chapter 1: Introduction to watchOS 10
This week, I delved into the updates of iOS 17, and now it's time to shift my focus to the standout features of watchOS 10.
After a lengthy period of minimal upgrades, the Apple Watch has finally received significant enhancements this year with watchOS 10. These improvements make the watch more efficient, user-friendly, and intuitive. Having owned my Apple Watch for a year, I can attest to its growing value. Initially, I struggled to appreciate its full potential, but now I can't imagine my daily routine without it.
In the past few days, I've explored the latest features of the operating system and wanted to share some of my favorites with you.
Section 1.1: Smart Stacks for Apple Watch
One of the most practical updates is the introduction of Smart Stacks, which streamlines app selection. Access it by swiping up or rotating the crown. You'll first see the date and time, followed by a cascade of widgets in a card format, along with a button for all apps.
To navigate through the apps, you can swipe with your finger or use the digital crown. The revamped Activities App exemplifies the cleaner layout this year. Upon selecting it from Smart Stacks, you’ll find complications in the corners. Tapping the icon provides a quick overview of your activity rings, while turning the crown offers a detailed view of your Move, Exercise, and Stand goals.
The Weather app has also improved significantly. It presents an easy-to-read summary, and tapping the icon in the corner allows you to dive deeper into specifics such as temperature, conditions, and precipitation.
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Section 1.2: Favorites and Customization
At the bottom of the Smart Stacks, just above the All Apps option, you’ll find three icons for quick access to your favorite apps, which can be customized. Long-press any icon to remove it and replace it with your preferred applications.
WatchOS 10 comes pre-loaded with the widgets and apps that Apple anticipates you'll use most. To personalize your experience, simply long-press the screen in Smart Stack mode. A plus sign will appear, allowing you to add your desired widgets. To pin any widget to the top, click the yellow pin icon next to the card. You can pin up to eight widgets.
Subsection 1.2.1: App View
In watchOS 10, accessing the newly designed App Grid is as simple as pressing and releasing the Digital Crown. The layout is much more organized and less intimidating than before, though the list view remains an option for those who prefer it.
While in the App grid, a double press of the crown will display the apps currently open in a cascading style. You can close any unwanted apps by swiping left and tapping the large cross.
Chapter 2: Enhanced Features and New Faces
The Control Centre has been redesigned and is now accessible via the side button.
The new watch faces introduced this year bring a vibrant touch to the Apple Watch, catering to diverse tastes. watchOS 10 launched with an impressive array of faces, surpassing initial expectations.
Among the highlights is a collection featuring Snoopy and Woodstock, boasting over a hundred animations. These characters interact with each other and the watch hands, responding to weather changes and workout sessions. The Palette face showcases time in a spectrum of colors, dynamically changing as time progresses. Additional new faces include Solar Analogue, Nike Globe, and a Modular Ultra face specifically for Watch Ultra users.
To add a new watch face, simply long-press your current face, swipe left, and tap to select a new one.
Section 2.1: The Ping Feature
Did you know that you can ping your iPhone from your Apple Watch? Simply navigate to the Control Centre on your watch. Conversely, you can also ping your Apple Watch from your iPhone. Go to Settings > Control Centre > More Controls and add the Ping My Apple Watch option, which will then appear in your iPhone's Control Centre.
Section 2.2: Double Tap Functionality
Apple highlighted the new Double Tap feature during their recent event. Although it’s currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9, it can also be enabled on earlier models. To activate it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Touch on your watch. Turn on Assistive Touch and Hand Gestures, then select your preferences for pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench.
While the feature may be a bit finicky, it should function better on the Series 9, which won’t be available until late October. If you wish to experiment with it, you can do so on your current Apple Watch.
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