We were right! The new WatchOS is hella focused on widgets.

Apple introduced the newest version of its Apple Watch operating system, WatchOS, with a new widget-focused design, sleek new watch faces, new features for cyclists and hikers, and new tools for mental and visual health. This all went down at WWDC 2023, the company's annual developers conference.

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Apple WatchOS 10's new redesign

Apple WatchOS 10's new redesign is widget-first.Credit: Screenshot WWDC 2023

The new WatchOS includes a complete redesign. We have two new watch faces: Palette, a visually appealing clock with a bunch of different pretty colors, and Snoopy and Woodstock from Peanuts. And from any of these watch faces, you can turn the digital crown to see your widgets — the way users will navigate their Apple Watches now. When you scroll on your Apple Watch, you'll see your Smart Stack of widgets, like upcoming meetings, workouts, medications to log, or tasks. You can even add a widget that has all of your favorite tools, like the timer, stop watch, workouts, or podcasts.

Apple has also redesigned apps across WatchOS 10, including world clock — with more dynamic background colors — and the activity app, which now includes corner icons for summaries, awards, and more. When you rotate the digital crown, you can see a full screen for move, exercise, and stand. Beyond world clock and activity app, many of the apps now have full screen designs. 

Apple WatchOS 10 updates for cyclists and hikers

Apple WatchOS 10's has new tools for hikers.Credit: Screenshot WWDC 2023Apple WatchOS 10's has new tools for cyclists.Credit: Screenshot WWDC 2023

The smart watch is also updating the way cyclists and hikers engage with their Apple Watches. In WatchOS 10, cyclists can connect their watches to bluetooth-enabled bike sensors for even more data. Power, heart rate, and motion data will estimate your FTP, which is the highest level of cycling intensity you can maintain for an hour. The FTP will allow you to see your zones, one of my favorite tools on the Apple Watch for running. Cycling workouts from your Apple Watch will now automatically show up as a live activity on your iPhone, too, which will take up your whole iPhone display, making it easier to see while you're riding.

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WatchOS 10 will automatically generate the points on a hike when you have a solid cellular connection and where on your route you can make an emergency call. Apple also announced a new elevation view for hikers, and new ways for the watch to evaluate movements for golf and tennis swings.

Apple WatchOS 10 for mental health and vision

Apple WatchOS 10's is helping users track their mental and vision health.Credit: Screenshot WWDC 2023

Of course, WatchOS 10 has updates for mental health, too. The mindfulness app lets you choose how you feel and identify what's making you feel that way — family, travel, work — and then lets you describe it in more depth. You can also take a standardized questionnaire in the app to help you understand if you should speak to someone for depression or anxiety treatment and access resources like online articles. Many of the mental health updates are also available on other Apple products, like the iPhone.

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WatchOS 10 included updates to vision health and, if you have a kiddo with an Apple Watch, will inform you if your kid is spending enough time in the sun. 

All of your health data is encrypted.

Apple also announced early on during the event that NameDrop, an expansion of AirDrop on iOS 17, will also apply to your Apple Watch. If you bring your iPhone or Apple Watch close to another iPhone or Apple Watch, you can exchange contact information with another person.

TopicsAppleApple WatchWWDC