Apple’s watchOS 10 is one of the biggest software updates in the history of the Apple Watch. One of the best new features is a complete redesign of a number of Apple apps to take advantage of the larger screen of the modern wearable device.
We’re highlighting all the redesigned apps to show you what to expect.
One of the most popular watchOS apps has always been Apple’s stock Weather app. And the watchOS 10 version brings a vast number of changes that look great on any modern watch, especially the Apple Watch Ultra.
Along with the current temperature, hourly outlook, and 10-day forecast, there are eight additional weather categories you can view. That’s up from just three in the previous version. Open the app to see the main screen that shows the temperature at your current location. Swipe up on the screen or use the Digital Crown to see the other main data points. If there is a severe weather alert, you can also tap it to see the full report.
You can either tap the screen or select thecloud iconto choose from the other metrics—condition, temperature, precipitation, wind, UV index, visibility, humidity, and air quality. For each metric, swipe up or use the Digital Crown to see the different screens.
Choose the icon in the upper left-hand corner to see your different saved locations and select one. To add a new location, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and press the+.
The redesigned Activity app makes it much easier to quickly find the information you need. After opening the app, you’ll see the classic Move, Exercise, and Stand rings. You can swipe up on the screen or with the Digital Crown to see a full-screen look at today’s progress toward those three main goals. Past those, you can see today’s step count, distance traveled, and flights climbed. At the very end is a quick way to see any of today’s activities.
On the main screen, there are three icons to select. Thegraph iconin the upper-right corner shows a detailed weekly summary on all three metrics and also allows you to change your custom goals quickly.
In the lower-left corner, you can choose the icon and then see anyone who is sharing their fitness activity with you. To get started with that feature, seehow to share fitness activitywith your friends using an iPhone.
Finally, in the lower right corner, you can hit theawards iconto see a revamped section to see all the awards you’ve won and progress made toward others.
World Clock
In previous versions of watchOS, World Clock featured a simple design with a bland orange-and-white color scheme. But the new version pops off the screen with blue, white, and yellow elements. After starting the app, you’ll see the time at your current location along with sunrise and sunset information. Rotate the Digital Crown to see how daylight progresses and turns to night during the past 24 hours.
Press the icon in the upper-right corner to see your previous favorite locations. Select a city to see the time and other information. It will also show the time difference between your current location.
To always see the time at a certain location, you can use one of the app’s many complications on your watch face. Make sure to see some of the otherbest complications for your Apple Watch.
Just like World Clock, Stocks moves to a much more colorful look. You’ll see all the stocks you have selected on the watchlist. Green-colored items have gone up while red have done down. Choose the…by View Options to selectPrice Change,Percentage Change, orMarket Cap.
When selecting stock it will default to a detailed chart of the last day’s movement. A green background indicates an increase while a red background is a decrease. Select1Dto toggle the view of a chart from the last month or last year. Use the Digital Crown or swipe up on the screen to see the entire watchlist.
While not as big of a revamp as other apps, Home should now look even closer to the companion iPhone app. After opening the app, on top of the screen, are feeds from some of your HomeKit-compatible security cameras. Just tap it to bring up the live feed. You can also access the page with feeds from all of your cameras. That’s a big improvement as in watchOS 9, you needed to tap a few items to see the camera feeds.
Before your favorite accessories are icons to access climate, lights, security, speakers/TV, and water. To access the Intercom, scroll to the top of theMy Homepage. Hit the back button on that page to access individual rooms and scenes.
The Maps app is significantly more useful in watchOS 10. After starting the app, you’ll now see your current location and a map. For the first time, you can also see topographic maps, at least in the United States. Perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, you can even see information like trail names and other important information. Using the Maps app in iOS 17, you can download maps for offline use and transfer that information to the Apple Watch app. That will allow you to view map data even without a cellular or Internet connection.
On the main map screen, select the hourglass icon to bring up a compressive search area. You can see Siri Suggestions, favorite locations, and nearby locations like fast food or a gas station.
Heart Rate
The Heart Rate app has also added a new feature. When opening up the app, it will begin to measure your current heart rate and show a real-time animation of your beating heart The heart rate daily range, resting rate, and walking average screens—available by swiping up on the screen or scrolling the Digital Crown—remain the same. But you can choose theiicon on the resting rate and walking average screen to view more information about what those rates mean.
Redesigned Apps Make the Apple Watch Even Better
Despite a few tweaks over the year, the stock Apple Watch apps have remained basically the same since the device first arrived in 2015.
But the redesigned options look perfect on a modern Apple Watch and its larger screen. And other third-party developers can also make use of the design language to make their apps even better.
