Apple has recently rolled out the watchOS 10 Release Candidate (RC) to developers and beta testers. This release comes alongside a flurry of updates, including iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. The watchOS 10 is poised to be the last pre-public release, with its official launch scheduled for September 18th, 2023. In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects of watchOS 10 RC, its new features, changes, and everything you need to know before making the upgrade.
What’s New in watchOS 10 RC
Size: The watchOS 10 RC update is relatively compact, coming in at around 318 megabytes. This makes it a quick and hassle-free download for Apple Watch users.
New Watch Faces: watchOS 10 introduces a trio of new watch faces, adding a dash of freshness and style to your Apple Watch. Here’s a closer look at each of them:
- Modular Ultra: This watch face boasts a sleek design with a dynamic compass that responds to your wrist’s movement. It provides essential information such as elevation and can be customized with various complications. Users can choose from a range of styles and colors to match their preferences.
- Solar Analog: The Solar Analog watch face features a minimalist design with subtle variations in the background. It offers both light and dark modes, allowing users to select their preferred style. Customization options include changing the colors and adding complications.
- Nike Globe: Designed in collaboration with Nike, this watch face features a globe motif at its center. Like the others, it offers color customization and supports complications.
Siri Health Information: Siri on watchOS 10 RC has been enhanced to provide health-related information. Users can ask Siri questions like “What was my heart rate yesterday?” or “How much did I sleep yesterday?” and receive instant answers. This feature adds a new dimension to the Apple Watch’s utility in monitoring and managing your health.
NameDrop: Although not included in watchOS 10 RC, Apple has announced the upcoming NameDrop feature. This functionality allows users to easily share their contact information with others using Apple Watches. Unfortunately, it’s not available in this release but is expected in future updates, possibly watchOS 10.1.
Should You Install watchOS 10 RC?
As the final release before the public rollout, watchOS 10 RC is generally stable and polished. If you’re already on the beta program, transitioning to the public version is simple. Just turn off beta updates when the public version is released. However, keep in mind that downgrading to an earlier version, such as watchOS 9, is not feasible without assistance from Apple.
Performance-wise, watchOS 10 RC offers snappy responses and smooth navigation. While there may be minor stutters or slowdowns occasionally, overall, the update delivers a seamless experience. Additionally, battery life remains robust, especially when using optimized battery charging.
For those who appreciate the new watch faces, enhanced Siri capabilities, and upcoming features like NameDrop, installing watchOS 10 RC is a great choice. It brings a fresh look and added functionality to your Apple Watch, enhancing both its style and usability.
The Path to watchOS 10 Public Release
The official launch of watchOS 10 is just around the corner, slated for September 18th, 2023. On this date, users will have access to the final version of watchOS 10. With an array of new features and improvements, it promises to enhance the Apple Watch experience.
In conclusion, watchOS 10 RC is the last step before the eagerly awaited public release. It ushers in new watch faces, augments Siri’s capabilities, and paves the way for exciting features like NameDrop. Whether you decide to install it or wait for the public version, watchOS 10 is set to elevate the Apple Watch’s functionality and aesthetics. Stay tuned for its official launch, and get ready to explore all that watchOS 10 has to offer.