Exploring the New Watch Face Switching Options in watchOS 10
Introduction
In watchOS 10, Apple introduced changes to the watch face customization and navigation experiences. Strikingly, the paradigm of left or right swipe to switch between watch faces, a feature users had grown accustomed to, was phased out. This new development has drawn a series of user remarks and suggestions to Apple, with a predominance calling for a return to the familiar left-right swipe mechanism.
Changes in watch face switching in watchOS 10
The most noticeable shift in watchOS 10 is the introduction of widgets, eliminating the limitation of glanceable data by watch face customization. The widgets' inclusion, however, led to a revision of the watch navigation process. The traditional left or right swipe to toggle between watch faces was replaced, impacting the user experience. Although the switch in face navigation contributed to a cleaner, more streamlined look, it was not without consequences. Certain watch faces even saw transformations.
User feedback to Apple
Following the public release of watchOS 10, user feedback emerged, filled with comments requesting Apple to revert to the familiar left-right swipe to switch between watch faces. Despite the significant updates and enhancements in the operating system, the changes in face-switching stirred dissatisfaction among Apple Watch users. Many long-time users found the adjustments unsettling, demonstrating their preference for the familiarity and simplicity of the older navigation system over the updated interface. However, it is still possible to switch watch faces on watchOS 10 using your iPhone or the Apple Watch itself.
Switching Apple Watch Faces Using iPhone
While the navigation adjustments on the watchOS 10 may have introduced some inconvenience, Apple users still have the option to customize their watch faces using their iPhones. This feature provides a simplified way to personalize your Apple Watch face according to your preferences.
Opening the "Watch" app on iPhone
Initiating the process requires you to open the "Watch" app on your iPhone. This app serves as a control center for your Apple Watch settings and customizations and is thus the gateway to modifying your watch face.
Navigating to "My Watch"
After opening the app, navigate to the "My Watch" section. This section displays all the available watch faces and other customization options for your Apple Watch.
Selecting the desired watch face under "My Faces"
In the "My Faces" section, a list of your watch faces will appear. Here, you can select your preferred watch face. Also, if you feel adventurous, you can customize your watch face by adding or removing complications adjusting colours, and features to suit your style. This function offers a wider array of personalization options to ensure your watch face looks and functions exactly how you want it.
Setting as the current watch face
After selecting and finalizing your customizations, scroll down to "Set as current Watch face." Tapping this option immediately updates the watch face on your connected Apple Watch. This makes changing your watch face more convenient, especially as it can be done from the comfort of the larger iPhone screen.
Switching Watch Faces on watchOS 10 Directly on Apple Watch
Despite the changes made in watchOS 10, Apple Watch users are not entirely left without an option to switch faces right on their wrists. With a slight deviation from the old gesture, users can still enjoy the ability to modify their watch faces directly on their Apple Watches.
Long pressing the watch face to open customization options
Instead of the simple swiping gesture used in watchOS 9 and older versions, watchOS 10 requires users to long press their current watch face. This gesture opens up various customization options that act as a control center for the Apple Watch faces. This is where the journey to a new watch face begins.
Left-right swiping and tapping to select a new watch face
Following the long press, users can then swipe right or left to peruse through the selections of available watch faces. When one catches your eye, tap on it to set it as your new watch face. The changes will take effect instantly, affording you a revised look on your wrist. While Apple ultimately made navigating to face switching a bit more complicated in watchOS 10, this new navigation system is what we have to work with for now. Though it might feel a bit hectic at first, with practice, it becomes a breeze.
Importance of Keeping the Wearable Experience Fresh
Keeping your watchOS experience novel and engaging is just as crucial as the functional benefits that Apple Watch offers. Switching up your Apple Watch face frequently forms a significant part of this fresh experience. It not only provides an element of novelty but also allows for personalization based on your mood, need, or simply to match your outfit for the day. In watchOS 10, Apple introduced Smart Stack, a feature that allows further personalization, making your watch face adapt to your specific needs at different times.
Encouragement to Create and Try Out New Watch Faces
With watchOS 10, the Apple Watch now offers an even wider variety of faces and complications. This diverse library, designed to cater to specific situations and occasions, offers countless opportunities for users to experiment and find their unique style. It's not only about exploring the available options, either. Users are also encouraged to create new watch faces and try combinations of complications. Despite the changes in watchOS 10 navigation, it is still fairly straightforward to change your Apple Watch face, whether you're doing it from your iPhone or directly on your Apple Watch.