10 Cool watchOS 10 Features: Smart Stack, Redesign, and More

Another year without the new iOS version featuring a major visual overhaul left many iPhone users, including ourselves, disappointed. However, if you use an Apple Watch with your iPhone, there’s a good enough consolation. The Apple Watch received its biggest software update yet – and we want to show you some of the coolest features of watchOS 10.

Nearly every app gets a UI revamp with the watchOS 10 on the Apple Watch. Further, there is now support for widget stacks that put all the essential information you need in one place. Before we start exploring all the new features, let’s ensure your Apple Watch is compatible with watchOS 10 in the first place.

Also Read: Must have Apple Watch Series 9 Accessories

watchOS 10 Supported Devices and Release Date

Here are all the Apple Watch models that will receive the watchOS 10 update:

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8 and later
• Apple Watch SE 1st Gen
• Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen
• Apple Watch Ultra and later

The watchOS 10 update will be available for all the above Apple Watch models on 18 September 2023. Excited to update your Apple Watch? Here’s what’s in store for you!

Also read: Apple Watch 9 vs. 8: Which should you buy

What’s New in watchOS 10 on Apple Watch

Here are some of the best features on your Apple Watch with the watchOS 10 update. We’re mostly excited about the visual redesign, and here’s everything you need to know.

1. Visual Redesign for Nearly Every App

Most in-built application on the watchOS 10 gets a design refresh. Apps make the most of the display, and you’ll see fewer empty spaces. The display is filled with information in most instances – and it is pretty functional as well. With buttons at either end of the display, navigating the user interface is easier – although it may take some time to get used to.

The UI elements are fancier – and the watchOS 10 drifts away from the minimal approach in the previous iterations. Our favorite redesign has to be the Weather app – it is completely redesigned and feels more intuitive and modern.

Further, we also like the changes in the Sleep and Heart Rate applications. The Sleep app shows more information at a glance, and there’s a new, improved animation while the Apple Watch checks your pulse. The UI changes in watchOS 10 certainly deserve a piece on its own – so we’ll let you explore the rest!

2. Smart Stack of Widgets

The Smart Stack of widgets on the Apple Watch is our favorite feature. Swipe up from the watch face, and you will see a stack of widget cards from applications. The first widget shows you the date and time, followed by all the widgets you can scroll by, and you have a three-in-one complication widget.

In the end, you will see the option to open the app library. These widgets automatically position themselves in the stack based on relevant and time-sensitive information.

3. New Watch Faces

Going by the watchOS update history, new watch faces are a given with every update – and we’re always excited about it. This year, we have a multi-colored, analog watch face called Pallete, where the colors move along with the hands of the clock.

And for all you Peanuts fans, there’s a Snoopy and a Woodstock watch face. Snoopy and Woodstock interact on the hands of the clock and seem to have a fun time playing around the watch face.

However, you cannot switch through watch faces by simply swiping across your dial. You must tap and hold and then switch to a new watch face.

Also Read: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Ultra 2: Which is right for you

4. New Mindfulness and Mental Health Features

There are new mental health features where you can note down the state of your mind. You can log how you are feeling in a particular moment or how you feel throughout the day. There’s a calming animation with subtle colors for each mood that you can select.

You get to describe your mood and feelings further, and over a period of time, you can notice the trends in how you feel. This can be key to understanding and being aware of your feelings.

5. Live Activity for Cycling Workouts

There are major changes to cycling on watchOS 10. You can start a cycling workout on your Apple Watch, which will appear as a Live Activity on your iPhone. The Live Activity will display all the stats and data from your activity. This will help you if you mount your iPhone to your bicycle.

6. Topographic View and Offline Maps

The Maps app on your Apple Watch will show topographic views in the United States – to explore valleys, mountains, rivers, etc., with contours, trails, and elevation. You will also receive notifications when you pass a particular elevation threshold.

Further, the Maps app on watchOS also shows information regarding various hiking trails, with comprehensive information that includes the difficulty, point-to-point distance, elevation gain, and so on.

watchOS 10 also brings support for offline maps, along with iOS 17. Once you download a map offline on your iPhone, you can access it offline on your Apple Watch.

7. Optimized Charge Limit

Optimized Charge Limit, a feature that was earlier exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra – is available on the Apple Watch SE, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8 with watchOS 10.

watchOS 10 learns about your usage patterns and will only charge your Apple Watch to 100% when needed – otherwise, it will charge to an ‘Optimized Limit’ that is set based on your usage. This feature may positively impact your Apple Watch’s battery health in the long run.

8. Power Zones Workout View

Apple Watch will estimate a so-called ‘Functional Threshold Power’ in your workouts. This is the highest level of intensity that you can maintain in one hour of your workout. This enables different Power Zones, and you will be shown which zone you are currently in. You can track the time spent in each zone and improve your performance to reach the highest zone.

9. 3D Compass View

A notable new feature in the new and redesigned Compass app is the three-dimensional view. This 3D view displays all the Waypoints on your hike – the point where the cellular connection was last available and the points where emergency calls can be placed. A three-dimensional view of all these points can help you navigate towards them with more ease.

10. Name Drop on Apple Watch (Coming Later This Year)

Name Drop was introduced with iOS 17, using which you can share your contact card with another Apple Device with a single tap. The feature will also be available on watchOS 10 later this year.

Those were some of the noteworthy and the best features of watchOS 10 on the Apple Watch. If you have more questions, look at the FAQ section below.

Also Read: 15 Best features of iOS 17 that Apple didn’t show you

FAQs on watchOS 10 Update for Apple Watch

The Biggest Apple Watch Software Update

watchOS 10 is available on all compatible Apple Watch models starting 18 September 2023. What are you waiting for? Download and install the new update, and let us know your favorite new feature in the comments section below!