watchOS 9 concept brings widgets and more to the Apple Watch
watchOS updates are generally quite minor. They include added features, but the look and feel of the software has remained much the same since the first iteration. In this watchOS 9 concept, the design of the software is heavily addressed.
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Contents
This is what watchOS could look like in the future
The Apple Watch interface consists of a number of important parts: the clock, the home screen, the control center, and the notification center. Little has changed in appearance over the years. The start screen in particular has been discussed for some time; it would be cluttered and clumsy to use.
Parker Ortolani van 9To5Mac bent over Apple’s watch software and came up with a watchOS 9 concept, which takes the design seriously. According to Ortolani, the start screen could be more organized, the dials could be ‘nicer’ and apps and notifications should retrieve data in more places.
Clearer home screen
The current home screen is shaped like a bee comb. The apps dance across the screen as you navigate through the home screen. It is sometimes difficult to find the app you are looking for. Since the very first Apple Watch, the home screen has caused a lot of differing opinions.
In the watchOS 9 concept, the home screen is a simple list, through which you navigate from top to bottom. This way of navigating is a lot easier than we are used to from the current watchOS. However, it’s also a bit more boring – the current bee-comb design is very ‘own’ and typical of Apple’s smart watch.
New watch faces
Many people look forward to new watch faces in watchOS updates. The more watch faces Apple offers, the more fun it is for the user to fully personalize their watch. In the watchOS 9 concept, we see some fresh new watch faces. Below is a watch face with the iconic “Apple Garamond” font.
The watch faces below focus on humor, relaxation and notifications. We find the notification dial especially interesting. The watch face is similar to the iPhone’s lock screen. It shows all notifications immediately, without you having to do anything.
Control screen widgets
The iPhone, iPad and Mac have had them for a while: widgets. Widgets are like bigger versions of apps. They show you app information without you actually having to open the app. We really like the idea, but wonder how useful widgets are on such a small screen.
The control screen has become a lot richer in detail and information with the arrival of widgets. Each widget fills an entire page. You can choose how many widgets – and therefore also pages – you want to see in the control center. It sure is fun, but is it practical?
First it’s time for watchOS 8
watchOS 8 isn’t even available yet and we’re already talking about WatchOS 9. We’ll have to be patient for a while before we know what Apple has in store for us. Before that, we can get to work extensively with the new features in WatchOS 8.
In watchOS 8, improvements have been made to the mindfulness app and a new portrait mode watch face has been added. There will also be a Contacts app for your phone book and a Tips app to help you discover your new smartwatch. Furthermore, more apps will soon be able to use the always-on functionality of the Apple Watch.
watchOS 8 will be released in the fall of 2021, probably at the same time as the Apple Watch Series 7. Apple is probably planning three different events in September. We expect to see the Apple Watch Series 7 during the iPhone 13 event.
The exact date on which this event will take place is not yet known. In the corridors there is talk of 14 September. Please keep an eye on our website for the latest news. You can of course also follow us via the newsletter or the (free) iPhoned app.
Also read: watchOS 8: All about the 2021 Apple Watch update
