The upcoming watchOS 10 is set to introduce a new system of widgets for the Apple Watch, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The widgets will play a central role in the Apple Watch’s interface, enhancing user experience and interactions.
Redefining the Apple Watch experience
Gurman compares the new system to Glances, the original widget interface of the Apple Watch that was eventually discontinued, and the widget style introduced in iOS 14 for the iPhone. The new interface is said to be reminiscent of the Siri watch face launched in watchOS 4, but as an overlay for any Apple Watch face. Gurman adds that it will also resemble widget stacks, a feature in iOS and iPadOS that allows users to stack multiple widgets together and scroll through them.
Users will be able to scroll through a variety of widgets for activity tracking, weather, stock tickers, calendar appointments, and more, rather than launching separate apps. Apple is reportedly testing changes to the functions performed by the Apple Watch’s buttons as well. For instance, pressing the Digital Crown may launch the new widgets view instead of the home screen.
Adapting to watch-specific needs
Gurman suggests that this shift acknowledges that an iPhone-like app experience doesn’t always work well on a watch, as Apple Watch apps have struggled to gain traction. Since the new interface departs significantly from the app-centric experience current Apple Watch users are familiar with, Apple may make the new interface optional.
These changes are part of what Gurman claims will be one of the biggest software updates for the Apple Watch since its inception, and the most significant change to the device this year. Only minor hardware updates are expected to be announced later this year.
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