watchOS 10 will remove a major limitation of the Apple Watch, according to an unconfirmed report. The smartwatch supposedly will be able to synchronize with iPad and Mac, not just iPhone.
Apple Watch slowly becoming more independent
When the Apple Watch debuted in 2015, it was essentially useless without an iPhone. But it’s become somewhat more independent over time. And it’s supposedly about to be less tied to iPhone, if not other Apple devices.
“Apple Watch will sync across multiple iOS/iPadOS/Mac devices, and will no longer be tied to one single iPhone,” according to a tipster who calls themselves @analyst941 on Twitter.
Apple Watch can sync across more than one Apple device too, finally. I don’t know how this will be implemented. All I know, again, **ALL** I know, is that Apple Watch will sync across multiple iOS/iPadOS/Mac devices, and will no longer be tied to one single iPhone.
— 941 (@analyst941) April 27, 2023
If true, it will mean that Apple Watch users won’t need to own an iPhone. That might become important because, as time goes on, the wearable itself is increasingly evolving into an iPhone that one wears on a wrist.
In that same vein, the Health app currently available only on iPhone supposedly will make the jump to iPad this year. The application compiles health and fitness data from Apple Watch, which could soon be viewable without needing a handset.
Expect ‘major’ changes in watchOS 10
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently predicted that the upcoming watchOS 10 will be a “major” update with an “updated interface.” However, he offered no specific details.
analyst941 said a week ago that the new Apple Watch interface might be a grid layout for applications, describing it as “much easier to use, move, & act more familiar to iOS, including folders.”
Happy 9:41 AM
I saved the best for last, watchOS will have a redesigned homescreen layout/grid.
heavy details SOON. but it's going to be much easier to use, move, & act more familiar to iOS, including folders.
Unsure if it will be a third option or replace grid as default. pic.twitter.com/GuNvcnmIox
— 941 (@analyst941) April 18, 2023
We’ll surely learn more in June when Apple unveils watchOS 10 at WWDC23, alongside iOS 17, macOS 14, iPadOS 17 and tvOS 17.