Following the release of watchOS 10 at the WWDC 2023, Apple had postponed the rollout of certain functionalities, with promises to introduce them at a later stage. This operating system, designed for the latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, had six features queued for subsequent updates.
Initial Delayed Features: Convenience and Privacy Enhancements
Among the delayed attributes were the one-handed double tap gestures for the Apple Watch Series 9 and sharing contact information via NameDrop from iPhone to Apple Watch. Other features set for future deployment involved on-device Siri processing for Health app queries, enhancing user privacy and speed, as well as the Apple Fitness+ Audio Focus to adjust music or trainers’ voices. Additionally, improvements to integration with HomePod included automatic Now Playing display and media suggestions on Smart Stack when near the smart speaker.
Subsequent Updates and Stealthy Feature Implementation
Apple introduced the first two features in the watchOS 10.1 update. With the advent of watchOS 10.2, the remaining functionalities were integrated, including one that slipped through undetected: media suggestions on Smart Stack when a nearby HomePod is not playing anything. This was not widely recognized but was confirmed through personal observation with HomePod 2 or HomePod mini and the latest Apple Watches.
This rollout, while discreet, marks the fulfillment of all the delayed features of watchOS 10. While this completion is commendable, there remains anticipation for future enhancements and updates, especially with the WWDC 2024 approaching, where expectations for iOS 18 and other operating system updates are high.
