Let’s face it: the Apple Watch is probably one of Apple’s most boring products. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. I consider it the best smartwatch in the world with a long way to go, but the evolution of software in recent years has only been incremental.
WatchOS 10 was presented during the last WWDC. And with a round number, Apple decided to turn around and launch what will be the biggest update ever made to this wearable since its inception. I strongly believe that it will revolutionize the way we use the Apple Watch.
“watchOS 10 is a significant milestone and a bold new version of Apple Watch, featuring a new design for fast information viewing, beautiful new watch faces, new features for cyclists and hikers, and important health tools,” said.
The new design and navigation language is introduced in watchOS 10
The great revolution of watchOS happens in the new design and navigation language. Basically, Apple redesigned the interface, as you can see below. You have more information at a glance, with widgets of the main applications that Apple calls Smart Stack, in a navigation that takes more advantage of the Digital Crown.
At the beginning of the day we can see the time, or if we are traveling the tickets in the Wallet. The calendar or tasks are also closer to the view. This can now be used by third parties. It can be very interesting to follow the result of a football match, for example.
Plus, Control Center is now accessible from the side button, so you can open it at any time from any app. Double-clicking on the Digital Crown will take you back to any app you’ve used recently.
Cyclists will love watchOS 10
As always, we will have new watch faces. But another of the great novelties will be for cyclists. When you start cycling on Apple Watch, it will show up as Live Activity on iPhone, where it will give you all the data, including the new cycling speed view. And you’ll also be able to connect your Apple Watch via Bluetooth to cycling accessories for more metrics.
watchOS 10 reaches all models from Series 4
The NameDrop feature is also coming to Apple Watch, so you can share contact information by touching your Apple Watch to someone’s iPhone. The best thing is that the novelties reach all models from the 4 Series onwards.
For now, only the Developer Beta is available, and in July you will be able to try the Open Beta from beta.apple.com. Anyone who wants to wait for the stable release will have to wait until the fall. I don’t know if I can wait that long to experience this portable revolution.