The Apple Watch Ultra was released by Apple last year to compete with Garmin’s high-end outdoor watches. The watch had several flaws, despite having the potential to be the ideal outdoor watch. Its battery life was not particularly good to begin with. However, things are set to change with Apple WatchOS 10.
Apple has added a lot of new capabilities to WatchOS 10 to help its watches—especially the Ultra—better compete with Garmin timepieces. The revamped and enhanced software, simpler navigation, new watch faces, and newly redesigned apps stand out among the many upgrades.
However, only a select fraction of Apple WatchOS 10’s best new features would be worthy of notice. Explore each of them in turn.
1. BIKING UPDATES ON WATCHOS 10
With the introduction of the Watch Series 7, Apple began to prioritise outdoor activities. The timepiece, which was introduced two years ago, included improved dustproofing. Additionally, it included fall detection and improved ability to distinguish between conventional bike and electric bicycling. However, the WatchOS 9 that Apple released last year was when the watch really shone.
Some specific features debuted in that WatchOS version. For instance, it made it possible for the Apple Watch to record vertical oscillation and stride length. However, Apple is making the Apple Watch models work like specialised bike computers with WatchOS 10.
LIVE ACTIVITY ON IPHONE
WatchOS 10 will launch a Live Activity on your iPhone as soon as you begin a cycling session on your watch. When tapped, the Live Activity will change to a full-screen Workout view. From there, you may see all the significant data, like your route and heart-rate zone.
This function provides crucial information for your cycling workouts. It will ensure that you are not getting lost and that your heart rate zone is accurate.
CONNECTIVITY WITH BLUETOOTH-ENABLED SENSORS
Apple watches running WatchOS 10 can instantly connect to Bluetooth-capable sensors. This implies that cadence sensors and power metres are simple to connect to your smartwatch. Additionally, after you’ve made the connection, you’ll have quick access to several important information, such RPM (rotations per minute).
Additionally, Apple Watch models may now calculate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) thanks to WatchOS 10. It allows you to determine your cycling’s peak output for an hour. The data can be used by the watches to create custom Power Zones for you.
2. HIKING UPDATES ON APPLE WATCHOS 10
Apple debuted a number of navigational functions with the Apple Watch Ultra last year. These are available to help you on your outdoor travels. The features, however, had a significant defect. You had no access to topographic maps and there were no offline maps available.
But new topography maps will be available in Apple WatchOS 10. The fact that the topographic maps are only available in the US should be noted. Additionally, you can download offline maps on your iPhone using iOS 17.
NEW FUNCTIONS FOR THE COMPASS APP
The compass app has additional features in Apple WatchOS 10. In addition, a new 3D Elevation view is now available. You can easily check the saved viewpoints, which also include two automatically created waypoints, in this 3D view.
The first waypoint is the Last Cellular Connection, which can be used to check messages or place a call. The second waypoint is the Last Emergency Cell, which you can use to contact emergency help.
3. MENTAL AND VISUAL HEALTH UPDATES ON WATCHOS 10
Spending a lot of time outside has been associated with a range of advantageous physical and mental health outcomes in both adults and children. In WatchOS 10, Apple took this into account. An ambient light sensor is used by the new watch operating system to calculate how much time you have spent outside.
And the best part is that your iPad or iPhone may be used to access the data that has been collected. You may also keep tabs on how much time your kids spend outside. In order to make sure that everyone in your family has enough free time, you may also keep the Health Sharing in Family Setup.
The Mindfulness app gains additional features with WatchOS 10 as well. You can capture your current feelings using a variety of shapes. You have the choice to specify the elements influencing your present state of mental health.
Apple claims that the OS provides access to clinical-grade depression and anxiety tests. It will assist in figuring out your level of risk and whether you need to see a doctor or not.
4. SOFTWARE AND DESIGN UPDATES ON WATCHOS 10
The software and design of Apple watches have improved, but there is still potential for development. On such a small screen, it’s still challenging to navigate all the information. The design improvements in WatchOS 10 play a role in this.
On WatchOS 10, you can scroll through the widgets on the Smart Stack. You only need to use the digital crown to scroll. Additionally, Apple’s machine learning will assist you in determining which widget is more pertinent if you are still unable to find what you are looking for. The boarding passes, for instance, will be on top when you go.
Apple has also updated the WatchOS 10 apps. The World Clock app allows you to search for the ideal time to call a buddy who lives abroad, for instance. Additionally, the Control Centre can be opened by just pressing the watch’s side button.
IS YOUR APPLE WATCH COMPATIBLE WITH WATCHOS 10 AND WHEN WILL IT BE AVAILABLE?
The developer beta for Apple WatchOS 10 is currently available. Apple claims that the public beta will arrive shortly, though. When that occurs, you can independently test out all the features.
In case you were wondering, the WatchOS 10 upgrade will work with all Watch Series 4 and subsequent watch models. However, you’ll need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 17 or iPadOS 17.