Apple has just introduced the WatchOS 10 program. The next major update of the operating system for the Apple Watch. The announcement came during Apple’S WWDC 2023 Global Developers Conference on Monday. As with previous updates. Health. Fitness and customization are among the biggest updates in WatchOS 10. Apple conference WatchOS 10
Apple Watch software update
Updating the Apple Watch software with new widgets and redesigned applications to show more information on the screen. Widgets will be able to display contextual information throughout the day. Such as medication reminders or calendar alerts. similar to how they work on an iPhone. This would make it easier to get bits of information without having to run an entire application.
The Apple Watch is also getting two new watch faces. one with a color palette theme and the other featuring Peanuts characters Snoopy and Woodstock.
There will also be more metrics and exercise views for cycling. including the ability to view additional statistics when connected to other bike sensors that support Bluetooth technology.
Apple is also adding new features for hikers as well. such as the ability of the Compass app to show the last area where the cells were received and more details about the terrain of hiking trails.
Health is also a focus for WatchOS 10. Apple is adding new mood recording features to the Mindfulness app. Which you can access on both your watch and phone.
Apple also says that you will be able to make standardized assessments that are often used in clinics to understand more about how you are feeling.
Applications in watchOS 10
Applications in WatchOS 10 are gaining a new look. As Apple uses the updated watch to help users track eye health. Indicating a new type of Health Measurement for the watch. The ambient light sensor in the Apple Watch can be used to measure the amount of time spent in daylight in the WatchOS 10. Which the company positions as a way to maintain eye health and possibly prevent myopia or nearsightedness caused by physical changes in the eye.
Software updates like these are essential because they provide important new features for the Apple smartwatch that expand its functionality without the need for new hardware. Last year at WatchOS 9. for example. Apple introduced new operating metrics. the ability to track certain phases of sleep and low power mode. These additions have helped the Apple Watch catch up with other wearable sleep trackers and dedicated running watches.
Mental health in the watchOS 10 program
With WatchOS 10. Apple is also the latest smartwatch maker to focus more on mental health. For example. Fitbit has added sensors to its Sense smartwatches that can look for signs of stress throughout the day.
Watchmaker Citizen also launched a new smartwatch this year that it says can assess fatigue and alertness levels. The new Mindfulness features in WatchOS 10 suggest that Apple is also thinking deeper into the relationship between physical and mental health as well.
The Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch in the world with 26% of the global market as of the first quarter of 2023. According to Counterpoint Research. Over the past several years. Apple has introduced new features and devices aimed at making its watch more competitive with other companies ‘ custom running watches. Apple conference WatchOS 10