At WWDC 2023, Apple officially introduced watchOS 10, one of the biggest updates ever released for the Apple Watch. The update brings a redesigned interface, new widgets, expanded health and fitness tools, cycling enhancements, hiking features, and several improvements designed to make the Apple Watch more powerful and user-friendly.
While many Apple Watch users are excited to upgrade, an important question remains: will your current Apple Watch support watchOS 10?
If you are unsure whether your device is compatible, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about supported models, new features, requirements, and what to expect from the update.
What Is watchOS 10?
watchOS 10 is the tenth major version of Apple’s smartwatch operating system. Apple redesigned many core parts of the interface to make better use of the Apple Watch display while also introducing smarter navigation and more glanceable information.
The update focuses heavily on:
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Widgets and Smart Stack
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Health tracking
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Fitness improvements
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Outdoor activity support
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Cycling integration
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Mental wellbeing tools
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Redesigned apps
Apple describes watchOS 10 as one of the most significant Apple Watch software upgrades since the device first launched in 2015.
Apple Watch Models Compatible With watchOS 10
Apple confirmed that watchOS 10 supports the following Apple Watch models:
| Apple Watch Model | watchOS 10 Support |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 4 | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 5 | Yes |
| Apple Watch SE | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Yes |
| Apple Watch Ultra | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | Yes |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Yes |
Apple Watch Models That Do NOT Support watchOS 10
Unfortunately, Apple ended support for several older Apple Watch models.
The following devices cannot run watchOS 10:
| Unsupported Apple Watch Models |
|---|
| Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Apple Watch Series 2 |
| Apple Watch Series 1 |
| Original Apple Watch |
This means the Apple Watch Series 4 became the oldest supported model for watchOS 10.
iPhone Requirements for watchOS 10
To install watchOS 10, users also need a compatible iPhone running iOS 17.
Requirements Include:
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An iPhone XS or newer
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iPhone running iOS 17
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Compatible Apple Watch model
Without iOS 17 installed on the paired iPhone, watchOS 10 cannot be installed.
Major New Features in watchOS 10
Apple introduced a large number of new features and interface improvements in watchOS 10. Here are some of the biggest additions.
Redesigned User Interface
One of the most noticeable changes in watchOS 10 is the redesigned interface.
Apple updated nearly every built-in app with:
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Larger visuals
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More information on screen
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Easier navigation
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Improved readability
Apps such as:
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Weather
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Activity
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World Clock
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Stocks
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Heart Rate
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Home
…now provide more glanceable data than before.
Smart Stack Widgets
Apple introduced Smart Stack, a new widget system that gives users quick access to important information without opening apps.
By turning the Digital Crown, users can access:
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Weather updates
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Calendar events
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Activity progress
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Reminders
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Timers
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Music controls
Smart Stack intelligently displays relevant widgets based on:
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Time
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Location
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Daily routine
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Current activity
This feature significantly improves multitasking and usability.
New Cycling Features
Cyclists receive major upgrades in watchOS 10.
The Apple Watch can now automatically connect with Bluetooth cycling accessories, including:
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Speed sensors
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Cadence sensors
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Power meters
Additional cycling improvements include:
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Power zones
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FTP metrics
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Live workout views on iPhone
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Enhanced workout tracking
These updates make the Apple Watch a much stronger cycling companion.
Hiking and Outdoor Improvements
watchOS 10 also adds new hiking tools designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
Features include:
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Compass waypoints
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Trail tracking
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Elevation views
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Cellular connectivity maps
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Topographic map integration
For hikers and adventurers, these upgrades greatly improve navigation and safety.
Mental Health and Mood Tracking
Apple expanded mental wellbeing features through the Mindfulness and Health apps.
Users can now:
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Log emotions and moods
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Track mental wellbeing over time
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Receive mental health insights
This integrates closely with the mood tracking features introduced in iOS 17.
Snoopy Watch Face
One of the most popular additions in watchOS 10 is the new Snoopy watch face.
The animated watch face features:
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Snoopy
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Woodstock
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Dynamic animations
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Weather-based interactions
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Time-based animations
It quickly became one of the most beloved Apple Watch faces among users.
Battery and Performance Improvements
Although watchOS 10 introduces many new features, Apple also optimized performance and efficiency across supported devices.
Users can expect:
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Smoother animations
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Faster app performance
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Better widget responsiveness
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Improved background efficiency
However, performance may vary slightly on older models like the Apple Watch Series 4 compared to newer devices such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Should You Upgrade to watchOS 10?
If your Apple Watch supports watchOS 10, upgrading is highly recommended for most users.
Benefits include:
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Major interface redesign
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Smarter widgets
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Better health tracking
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Improved cycling tools
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Enhanced outdoor features
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More personalization
However, users with older supported devices may notice slightly reduced battery life or slower performance depending on device age and battery condition.
Final Thoughts
watchOS 10 is one of the most ambitious Apple Watch updates ever released. With redesigned apps, Smart Stack widgets, advanced cycling support, mental wellbeing tools, and enhanced outdoor features, the update significantly modernizes the Apple Watch experience.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer model, you can enjoy the latest features and improvements by upgrading to watchOS 10 alongside iOS 17 on your iPhone.
For users still using unsupported models like the Apple Watch Series 3, watchOS 10 may also be a strong reason to consider upgrading to a newer Apple Watch.