The public beta of watchOS 10 is out now, meaning anyone with a compatible Apple Watch and iPhone can test out new software features in the latest version of Apple’s wearable operating system.
Ahead of the public beta launch, we spoke with Apple about the watchOS 10 developer APIs that will power some of the biggest Apple Watch updates. Now, we’re actually able to see them in action. And you can too.
That said, there are a few disclaimers to know before downloading the watchOS 10 public beta. First, check that your smartwatch is on the watchOS 10 supported devices list. You will also need to download the iOS 17 public beta. on your iPhone to access watchOS 10. And make sure you’re aware of the potential for bugs, as the software is still in testing. If you’re worried about your devices and apps running smoothly, you might want to wait for the full release of watchOS 10 this fall.
But if you’re ready to start exploring all the new Apple Watch features available in watchOS 10, here are the ones you should definitely try first.
Explore the new navigation system
Something you’ll probably notice in watchOS 10 is that the Control Center, which houses a number of useful settings, has been moved. It can no longer be accessed by swiping up on the watch face. Now press the side button to access the Control Center.
Meanwhile, swiping your Digital Crown now opens your Smart Stack, or scrollable panes of information from the apps and services that matter most to you. Your Smart Stack even shows you relevant to you based on the time of day, based on machine learning.
The only navigation feature that He has not What changed in watchOS 10 is that pressing the Digital Crown opens the Apple Watch app list or grid.
Try one of the new watch faces
watchOS 10 includes two new watch faces, giving you more ways to customize your Home screen clock to reflect your personality and style. The palette is particularly versatile and allows you to create a colorful and artistic watch with different gradient patterns. You can also add up to four corner complications for information you want to see at a glance.
If you are a Peanuts fan, then you must try the adorable Snoopy watch face. The iconic characters from Snoopy and Woodstock essentially live in your Apple Watch, interacting with the clock’s hands and pedaling through comic-style animations. There’s something new to see every time you raise your wrist.
Prioritize your mental health
watchOS 10 increases the functionality of the Mindfulness app with new suggestions that ask users to record momentary emotions and daily moods. These prompts take the form of colorful visuals to help users determine how they’re feeling.
Your recorded moods will appear in the Health app in a new “Moods” section that tracks trends in how you’re feeling. Best of all, you’ll be able to see how other lifestyle factors tracked in the Health app might be affecting your mood.
Remember your medications
The Apple Watch Medications app debuted with watchOS 9, providing an unobtrusive way to track the medications you take each day, whether it’s daily pills, supplemental vitamins, or a packet of antibiotics. At the allotted time, your Apple Watch will notify you that it’s time to log your medications.
But watchOS 10 takes it a step further with an optional secondary reminder 30 minutes later. So if you were worried when you first got your medication notification, your Apple Watch can give you another nudge.
Take a trip
With watchOS 10, there’s never been a better time to take your Apple Watch for a hike. Hiking workouts are enhanced in the new software app to include better compass and map features. When you start a hike, the Compass app will automatically generate two new Waypoints: one showing where you last had reception with your operator, and another showing where you can place an emergency call using any operator network .
There’s also a new topographic map view for a more immersive understanding of your location. The topo map shows contour lines, shading, and trailhead locations, and in some cases you’ll be prompted to check additional trail information as well.
Get some rays
As part of watchOS 10, the ambient light sensor in some Apple Watch models will be able to measure how much time you spend outside. (You’ll need an Apple Watch SE 2, an Apple Watch 6 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra to get this information.)
Spending 80 to 120 minutes outdoors can help reduce the risk of nearsightedness and has shown benefits for mental health as well. So pay attention to how much natural light you’re getting, though be sure to apply sunscreen if you’re out in the sun.
Go for a bike ride
Another workout that has received a major update in watchOS 10 is cycling. While there were already great Apple Watch cycling features, now competitive cycling gets a dedicated training format.
Running watchOS 10, the Apple Watch is compatible with Bluetooth cadence sensors that you may connect to your bike. The watch uses sensor data to measure FTP (Functional Threshold Power) and provide power zones. Plus, bike workouts show up as live activity on your iPhone, so you can use a bike mount for a big-screen display to track your metrics.
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