Apple unveiled the latest version of its smartwatch operating system, watchOS 10, at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023. This anticipated update to the watchOS platform brings new features like updated apps, advanced health metrics, and enhanced connectivity to Apple Watch users.
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Introduction
The watchOS 10 update comes over a year after the release 9 in September 2022. This new version contains improvements to existing apps and introduces some completely new apps and capabilities.
For Apple Watch users, the update brings exciting changes like an enhanced Workout app, the new Medications app for tracking pill schedules, an updated Sleep app with sleep stages tracking, and more. The new software also enables features like recurring reminders from the Reminders app and allowing web links in Mail messages.
Overall, focuses on expanding the health, wellness and connectivity capabilities of Apple Watch. It pushes the smartwatch into being an even more intelligent and proactive health companion on your wrist.
Release Timeline
So when can you actually get watchOS 10 on your Apple Watch? Here is a look at the anticipated release timeline for Apple’s newest smartwatch software update:
June 2023 – Announced at WWDC
As usual, Apple kicked off its Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2023 with big keynotes announcing its latest operating system updates. This included the official unveiling of watchOS 10.
The new watchOS was first showcased during the keynote presentation on June 6, 2023. The update was then made available as a Developer Beta for members of Apple’s Developer Program starting on that same date.
The Developer Beta allowed developers to test their apps against watchOS 10 and prep for its public release.
July 2023 – Public Beta
Apple opened watchOS 10 to public beta testing in July 2023.
Public beta testers could sign up through the Apple Beta Software Program website and download the watchOS 10 beta configuration profile to their paired iPhone. This allowed non-developers to experience the new features and updates coming in watchOS 10.
The public beta marked the first opportunity for general Apple Watch users to test drive the software update before its official release.
September 2023 – Official Release
If Apple follows previous release patterns, the public release date for watchOS 10 should be in September 2023.
watchOS updates have historically been made officially available each year in the September timeframe. This coincides with the launch of new Apple Watch models.
For reference, here are the release months for the last few watchOS versions:
- watchOS 9 – September 12, 2022
- watchOS 8 – September 20, 2021
- watchOS 7 – September 16, 2020
Based on past schedules, Apple is likely to make the update publicly available in September 2023. The specific release date will probably be revealed during a keynote event in September.
Many speculate it will ship right around the rumored release of the Apple Watch Series 9 models.
Compatible Apple Watch Models
Not all Apple Watch models will be compatible with the new software.
Based on Apple’s minimum system requirements, here are the Apple Watch models expected to support the watchOS 10 update:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Ultra
Essentially, watchOS 10 will be available for Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. The first generation Apple Watch SE will also support the latest software.
Models older than the Series 6, like the Series 3 and Series 5, will most likely not be able to update due to the technical limitations of their hardware. Upgrading to watchOS 10 will require an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer.
For a seamless experience with all the new features, using watchOS 10 on the latest models like the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or Apple Watch Ultra is recommended.
New Features and Enhancements
watchOS 10 comes packed with a variety of new features and enhancements for Apple Watch users. Here is a look at some of the major additions coming in this update:
New Medications App
The new Medications app makes it easy for users to track the vitamins, supplements and medications they take. The app enables creating a medications schedule, setting up reminders, and receiving alerts when it’s time to take each pill or medication.
This should help users adhere to their prescription or health supplement schedules. The app will be useful for those who need to regularly take medications for chronic conditions.
Enhanced Workout App
The Workout app, one of the most popular Apple Watch apps, gets even better in watchOS 10.
Apple has added more advanced metrics to the Workout app. Users will be able to view additional running stats like Stride Length, Ground Contact Time and Vertical Oscillation. These advanced running metrics can help runners fine-tune their form and performance.
The Workout app also introduces “Heart Rate Zones” for tracking how much time is spent in each heart rate zone during a workout. Multisport workouts can now quickly switch between disciplines like swimming and biking from within the Workout app as well.
Updated Sleep App with Sleep Stages
watchOS 10 brings the ability to track sleep stages like REM, Core and Deep sleep. This allows the Sleep app to provide deeper insights into sleep quality.
The app uses the watch’s accelerometer and heart rate sensor to determine sleep stages during the night. In the morning, users get a breakdown of their time spent in each sleep stage and sleep quality measurements.
Tracking sleep stages gives wearers a better understanding of their sleep health and can help diagnose sleep issues.
Recurring Reminders in Reminders App
The Reminders app on Apple Watch now supports recurring reminders.
Users will be able to set reminders that repeat on a schedule, like taking medication every day or doing weekly chores. This makes the Reminders app much more useful for routinely scheduled tasks.
Web Links in Mail App
With watchOS 10, Apple Watch will support web links in Mail messages. When a link is tapped, it will open an embedded web view on the watch to display the website content.
This allows Apple Watch to handle links in emails rather than having to hand off to the iPhone. Users will be able to quickly access web content from notification emails directly on their wrist.
Updates to Built-In Apps
In addition to these major new features, the update brings tweaks and improvements to the built-in apps on Apple Watch including Calendar, Maps, and Wallet.
The new capabilities aim to provide a more seamless and proactive experience across apps on Apple Watch. For example, Calendar can now suggest adding locations for events and Maps offers routing for workouts.
The Bottom Line
watchOS 10 brings some exciting improvements that take the Apple Watch experience to new heights. The focus is on expanding health and fitness capabilities like advanced running metrics, sleep tracking and the new Medications app. Convenience features like recurring reminders and web links in Mail also improve day-to-day use.
For Apple Watch owners, watchOS 10 will be a worthwhile upgrade once it becomes available. Based on Apple’s software release schedule, current estimates have watchOS 10 being publicly launched in September 2023.
To experience the latest features and take advantage of all the improvements, Apple Watch users will want to update to watchOS 10 once it arrives. The newest Apple Watch models like Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra will be needed to use some of the more advanced capabilities.
Overall, watchOS 10 promises to make the Apple Watch an even more intelligent, proactive and seamless part of your daily life. With expanded health tracking, convenience upgrades and deeper integration, it pushes the wearable into new territory once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will watchOS 10 be released?
The official public release for watchOS 10 is expected in September 2023. Apple will likely launch it alongside new Apple Watch models.
Will my Apple Watch get the update?
watchOS 10 will require an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. Older models like Series 3 and Series 5 will not support the update.
What are the new features in watchOS 10?
Key new features include an updated Workout app, sleep stages tracking, the new Medications app, recurring reminders, web links in Mail, and more.
Will watchOS 10 make my Apple Watch faster?
watchOS updates generally improve overall system performance and responsiveness. The exact speed boost depends on your Apple Watch model.
Can I try the watchOS 10 beta?
Yes, Apple offered watchOS 10 betas starting in June for developers and July for public beta testers. Trying the beta lets you test drive new features early.
How do I get the update?
When released, you can update to watchOS 10 using the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Tap General > Software Update and follow the prompts.
Should I update to watchOS 10?
Once available, updating is recommended for the latest features and improvements. Make sure your Apple Watch is compatible before updating.
Will third-party apps work with watchOS 10?
Existing third-party apps should continue to run on watchOS 10. Developers may release updates to take advantage of new features.
Conclusion
watchOS 10 brings exciting enhancements like new health and fitness tracking abilities, improved built-in apps, recurring reminders, and more convenience features. This free update will push the Apple Watch to new heights when it arrives in September 2023.
To take full advantage of everything new in watchOS 10, upgrading your compatible Apple Watch when available is certainly recommended. This keeps your Apple Watch on the cutting edge and provides access to all the latest capabilities Apple’s Wearable platform has to offer.