For years, Apple Watch users have expressed a strong desire for third-party watch faces. However, even with the advent of watchOS 10, this feature remains conspicuously absent. Recently, Apple’s VP of Technology Kevin Lynch and Deidre Caldbeck from product marketing provided some insight into this in a talk with Tages-Anzeiger, a Swiss newspaper.
Peeking behind Apple’s curtain of design choices
In this interview, first noticed by 9to5Mac’s Benjamin Mayo and translated from German, Lynch detailed Apple’s “massive effort” that goes into the design of each watch face. He emphasised their goal to make the experience “uniform and simple” for users. Lynch also shed light on Apple’s approach of future-proofing watch faces, ensuring seamless transitions as they continually add new features or make alterations.
Caldbeck further discussed that, despite certain limitations, developers can still bring a degree of personalisation to their watchOS apps. This is achievable through ‘complications’ that provide at-a-glance information, such as a CARROT Weather forecast. In the new watchOS 10, Smart Stack widgets have been introduced that can display up to three complications.
What does the future hold for watchOS?
Alongside addressing the lack of third-party watch faces, the interview delved into other aspects of watchOS 10. The updated system is slated for release later this year for Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models.
Currently, users with a complimentary Apple developer account can access the beta version of watchOS 10. A public beta version will also be made available in July for those who prefer not to use the developer beta.
Apple’s design strategy versus other platforms
While Apple’s restrictive approach towards watch face customisation might be a turnoff for some, it does guarantee consistency across the platform. By comparison, competitors such as Wear OS offer more customisation, but this often results in an inconsistent user experience and compatibility issues across various watch models.
Now, over to you, our valued readers. What do you make of Apple’s decision to withhold support for third-party watch faces on watchOS 10? We are eager to hear your thoughts. Please share your insights with us in the comments below!
