Apple is once again placing a magnifying lens over its iconic smartwatch with the imminent release of watchOS 10, to be announced at WWDC23 tomorrow. This update brings a notable pivot in the device’s software strategy, with Apple keen on ensuring the Watch serves your information needs with even greater immediacy and fluidity.
Here are the top three enhancements expected:
1. A Return to Widgets
The original Apple Watch introduced the world to Glances – a widget-based interface that rapidly lost prominence in subsequent updates. In a striking turn of events, Apple is making a noteworthy u-turn. They’re set to re-introduce widgets, integrating them back as an intrinsic part of the watch’s interface. These refreshed widgets promise to marry the essence of the old Glances system with the contemporary style of widgets introduced in iOS 14. The intent? A smooth scrolling through various widgets for activity tracking, weather updates, stock market feeds, and more – all without having to launch individual apps.
2. Changing Button Functions
Secondly, in a bid to streamline user interactions, Apple is contemplating altering the functions of the watch’s buttons. As it stands, the Digital Crown – the watch’s most prominent button – launches the home screen. However, in the upcoming watchOS 10, it’s rumoured that a press of the Digital Crown might pull up your widget interface instead. It’s a clear shift that suggests Apple recognises the benefits of prioritising instant information over the traditional iPhone-like app format on its watch.
3. Better Usage of Display
Finally, this much-anticipated update is also expected to capitalize better on the larger, flatter display of watches like the Apple Watch Ultra. Current apps and watch faces seem suboptimally designed for the Ultra’s additional screen estate. Therefore, watchOS 10 may introduce modifications that better exploit the device’s larger interface.
In sum, Apple appears determined to satisfy its users’ craving for speedy access to data, without excessive screen interactions. The strategy implies an encouraging response to the slow adoption of Apple Watch apps and the relatively fewer third-party developers on board. As we anticipate this significant software overhaul, one thing is clear: Apple is continuously innovating to refine our digital experience, right down to our wrists. Get ready for the WWDC23 announcement tomorrow!