At the heart of all Apple Watch, watchOS evolves significantly with each new major version, taking into account in particular the technological improvements introduced by the latest tocantes made in Cupertino, without neglecting previous generations. This tenth iteration of the operating system thus takes care of exploiting the Series 8 and Ultra, while ensuring support for the other models from the Series 4 (released in 2018).
A stack of widgets at your fingertips
To begin with, Apple has worked to improve access to information from the various dials (watch faces). A simple rotation of the crown now cycles through different stacked and smartly organized widgets, which Apple calls the “smartstack” (smart battery). Their order of display thus adapts automatically according to the circumstances, to display for example calendar events, reminders or a timer.
Better suited apps
The Cupertino company has also improved the design of the apps natively integrated into its watches to better exploit the full size of the screen and its rectangular format. Shortcuts appear more readily in the corners to make access to the various parameters more convenient.
Snoopy on the wrist
True to form, Apple is also introducing two new watch faces : one with hands, named Palette, which operates a color change behind the second hand; the other plunges into the universe of Snoopy and Woodstock with contextual and funny animations.
Cycling, hiking and topo map
Upper gear
Apple has accelerated on sport with watchOS 9 and is continuing its efforts with this tenth version, which is aimed in particular at cyclists. A new dedicated app with support for external sensors (cadence and power) has appeared. The Apple Watch can now estimate the FTP (functional threshold power) to better assess the power zone in which you are during an outing. The link with the iPhone is not forgotten with a specific widget appearing on the home page of the smartphone when a cycling activity has been launched from the Apple Watch. More info can then be displayed on the iPhone via a dedicated app.
Go hiking
Hikers will be delighted to learn that Apple has finally decided to provide topographic maps with points of interest, including routes. A function launched in the United States at first, which we obviously hope to see arrive quickly in France and extended to other sports practices.
The compass introduced on the Apple Watch Ultra is also evolving, offering a 3D mode to better illustrate the altitude of the various waypoints. Added to this are the last area where the mobile network is available, as well as the area where a satellite call can be made.
Rather swing or lift?
Golfers and tennis players will be happy to learn that the more powerful accelerometer of Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra – used until now mainly to detect car accidents – will be able to detect the swing and the movements of racket via third-party apps like Golf Shot and Swing Vision.
Mental health and vitamin D cure
Already able to assess our physical health, the Apple Watch will take care of our mental health. A new app thus appears with watchOS 10. We can indicate our emotions and our mood of the moment in order to obtain a better understanding of the events that can contribute to our well-being (or our ill-being): sleep, duration of sports activities and relaxation, time spent outdoors… The app is able to estimate the risk of anxiety and depression to better invite us to consult a professional if necessary.
Apple also emphasizes the prevention of myopia. Spending more time in daylight would reduce the progression of this vision problem, and that’s why Apple developed a measure of daylight exposure time. This is measured via the light sensor of the Apple Watch.
Apple reminds that all this health data is encrypted and stored in our terminal, accessible only after unlocking by code or Face ID.
Availability for everyone in the fall
Already available to developers in beta version, watchOS 10 can be tested by everyone next month. The final version will not be available until this fall, traditionally after the release of the next Apple Watches.