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Can my Apple Watch get watchOS 10? Here’s every supported model

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watchOS 10 splash screen from Apple
Apple
Promotional logo for WWDC 2023.
This story is part of our complete Apple WWDC coverage

During its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023), Apple announced several software updates for its popular products. One of the major announcements was the watchOS 10 update for Apple Watches, which comes with a host of new and improved features.

The latest version of the Apple Watch’s operating system has redesigned apps, new watch faces, and a Smart Stack that displays relevant widgets when needed. Cyclists will appreciate the new features that make use of the speed and cadence sensors. Hikers can take advantage of the new Compass Waypoints and Maps capabilities. And the Mindfulness app now offers more tools to support mental health.

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But can you take advantage of all of these new features? If you have an Apple Watch launched in 2017 or before, we have some bad news.

Which Apple Watches can download watchOS 10?

The Apple Watch Ultra with the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE 2.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

One of the biggest things to take note of is that the Apple Watch Series 3 is not compatible with watchOS 10. The 2017 model didn’t get watchOS 9 last year either, and unsurprisingly, it’s also missing out on watchOS 10. If you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or above paired with iPhone Xs or later, you are eligible for the update.

Here’s a list of Apple Watch models that are upgradable to watchOS 10:

  • Apple Watch Series 4
  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • Apple Watch SE
  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Ultra

It is worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and 1st Generation SE do not have the Time in Daylight feature. This feature was designed specifically for parents who wish to monitor their children’s exposure to sunlight as a preventative measure against myopia (nearsightedness). However, all other watchOS 10 features are available on these models.

The recently introduced Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 ship with watchOS 10, meaning you get the latest software right out of the box with these two models.

What’s new in watchOS 10?

Smart Stack with activity and sleep widgets on an Apple Watch Ultra.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Updates for the Apple Watch usually don’t come with many new features or updates. However, watchOS 10 is different. This update offers a lot of new features for everyone to enjoy. You’ll notice some of watchOS’s most popular apps have received significant design updates, including the World Clock, Fitness, and Stocks. The Smart Stack is a very cool feature that provides current information such as appointments, weather conditions, and sports scores by simply turning the Digital Crown.

The update aslo introduces a new Snoopy watch face that changes every time you tilt your arm. There’s also the Palette watch face, which adds a variety of different colors to your wrist. Apple Watch Ultra owners also receive a new Modular Ultra watch face, which is exclusive to both Apple Watch Ultra models. The update also includes new workouts for cycling, hiking, and more. There are also mental health tracking tools that arrived with iOS 17 for supported iPhones.

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Prakhar Khanna
Prakhar Khanna
Mobile Writer
Prakhar writes news, reviews and features for Digital Trends. He is an independent tech journalist who has been a part of the…
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