For Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5 to June 9, Apple will be revealing the latest versions of their operating systems on the iPhone, Apple TV, Mac, and Apple Watch. Although, it appears that the WatchOS will be receiving the most functional software overhaul update.
The Apple Watch's new user interface update will reportedly be making widgets a more powerful and functional feature. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the changes for WatchOS 10 will be "one of the biggest software updates since the original version."
Why Apple Needed to Make Changes to the WatchOS
Apple Watch apps have barely caught any attention even after seven years after their introduction. Compared to other platforms, Apple hasn't gained enough third-party developers for the Apple watchOS.
In comparison to the 101 million users on the iPhone App Store, the Apple Watch app store barely reaches a million monthly users. To fight against that, Apple needed to give people what they want: to gain quicker access to pieces of information.
Related Article: Apple to Launch watchOS 10 with 'Notable Changes' for Apple Watch UI
WatchOS Redesign Featuring Widgets
In the past designs of the Apple Watch, Apple ditched widgets and concentrated on highlighting notifications and multitasking features. Even with new updates, you still had to launch apps to get information on the Apple Watch.
However, Apple is now trying to go for something more efficient. The company plans to bring back widgets and make them the central part of the new watchOS system.
The Apple WatchOS 10 will have a new interface that combines the old concept of Glances with the widget system from iOS 14. Glances were introduced in the early days of the Apple Watch, which offered users a faster method to access core functions and check essential information.
In the new update for the WatchOS, Apple will reportedly include widgets that will allow users to navigate their way through tasks and details without having to launch the apps. Users can easily see their stock graphs, search weather information, launch active tracker mode, view calendars, and so on.
In theory, the widget system will be similar to the widget stacks often seen in iPadOS and iOS. Users will be able to place multiple widgets on the home screen and easily scroll through them.
Changes to the Apple Watch's Physical Buttons
Apple may potentially change how the digital crown works on the watchOS 10.
Currently, pushing the digital crown will bring you to the home screen or watch face. On the other hand, holding down the digital crown will launch the Siri voice assistant.
With the redesign of the Apple Watch, Apple will shift things around to accommodate their changes. Pressing the digital crown will supposedly bring out the widget view instead of taking users to the home screen.
With WWDC 2023 only a few months away, it's not long before Apple shares more details about what Apple Watch users can expect for their wearable's next software update.
