The Apple Watch had a combined yr in 2023 – just about an inverse of 2022. Whereas final yr noticed an thrilling new Apple Watch Extremely line launched and comparatively minor updates to watchOS, this yr was far more closely weighted on the software program facet.
The most recent model, watchOS 10, transforms a lot of the foundations of the platform which have remained in place since its inception, however each the Collection 9 and Apple Watch Extremely 2 really feel like comparatively minor upgrades that aren’t prone to entice a bunch of customers to improve.
Nonetheless, the Apple Watch feels prefer it’s prepped for its massive replace with the Collection X/Collection 10 subsequent yr, with watchOS 10 setting the muse with an array of updates that make this, on stability, a great yr for the platform.
{Hardware}
As talked about above, there felt like much less to get enthusiastic about with each the Apple Watch Extremely 2 and the Apple Watch Collection 9.
Whereas the mainline collection has arguably not seen a big revision for the reason that Collection 5 in lots of respects, the choice to replace the Extremely inside 12 months stunned many – myself included.
But, when you stay in the US and also you’re considering of shopping for one, we might suggest shopping for one now, as a result of ongoing ban saga that is presently occurring.
This yr’s massive deal with each fashions was the brand new S9 chip, the primary really new System in Package deal (SiP) in years. That’s allowed for a pace enhance of as much as 30%, however as a daily Apple Watch person it’s exhausting to identify any vital enhancements within the day-to-day use of the system.
Arguably the larger results of this spec bump is the brand new on-device Siri responses, which make it far more helpful when you’re missing sign or not close to your cellphone. Apple’s good assistant is reported to be an enormous focus for the corporate in 2024, so there’s each probability the choice to have requests processed on-device will show a good shrewder one this time subsequent yr.
Siri may also entry well being knowledge now, which feels prefer it’s been a very long time coming, which means you may ask about your metrics to save lots of digging by way of the Well being app. It’s a contact that’s flown below the radar a bit, however just like the iPad’s new Well being app, it’ll make it simpler to share pertinent info with family members, carers, or medical employees.
Elsewhere, the Extremely 2’s display now has a max brightness of a really, very shiny 3,000 nits, whereas the Collection 9 noticed its brightness punched as much as the identical stage as the unique Extremely with 2,000 nits, and storage has been doubled to 64GB on every – ideally suited for runners to take their playlists with them.
Software program
It’s been a very long time since lets say it’s been an enormous yr for watchOS, however its tenth model was properly well worth the wait by overhauling a lot of the system.
That overhaul does come at the price of muscle reminiscence, and this author nonetheless sometimes swipes as much as open Management Heart (it’s now a a lot better use of the Facet Button), however the brand new house display and widget system is a triumph.
Sensible Stack returns, solely a lot smarter and higher capable of learn person intent whereas working glances again into watchOS, and having them accessible with a fast swipe is a lot better than their unique implementation.
At this level, it seems like little or no of what launched with watchOS 1 in 2015 stays in watchOS 10 right here. That’s to Apple’s credit score, in an area the place the likes of Google, Fitbit, and extra additionally sometimes really feel like they’re fumbling to seek out the suitable stability between ease of use and plenty of options.
For health, maps have been improved, notably with trails to assist preserve you guided in in any other case complicated places, and biking metrics can now learn from Bluetooth-enabled equipment so as to add measurements like cadence, energy, and estimated useful threshold energy.
Health Plus additionally noticed enhancements with customized plans, and whereas that’s not essentially strictly an Apple Watch characteristic, it’s a nice-to-have bonus in case you are invested within the ecosystem.
A homerun for software program
Total, 2023 was a yr that showcased the Apple Watch’s maturity. From additional refinement, and a pseudo-overhaul, of watchOS, to additional tweaking of the {hardware} lineup, the entire platform has by no means been in a greater place.
watchOS has by no means felt higher to make use of, and it’d simply make any fitness-related New Yr’s resolutions simpler to stay to.
