Apple is determined to maintain its stance on smartwatch dials
The American technology giant Apple has given a clear response to the loudly voiced requests for third-party watch faces that have been ongoing for some time.
Apple Vice Presidents Kevin Lynch and Deidre Caldbeck recently took part in a discussion with TagesAngzeiger, a Swiss media outlet, where they highlighted the planned changes for watchOS and addressed concerns surrounding the lack of third-party watch faces for the Apple Watch. As per their statements, Apple users may have to exhibit patience as the company is focusing on maintaining stability and coherence above all else.
Lynch underlined the importance of the watch face, which acts as the home screen of the Apple Watch, stating the necessity for it to retain a consistent and steady nature. The goal for Apple is to maintain seamless operation of the watch face even in the face of significant watchOS updates. This, they believe, can be ensured by retaining direct control over the development of the watch face, thereby warranting compatibility with other components of the operating system.
Caldbeck reassured users that Apple takes on the responsibility of guaranteeing the reliable operation of the watch face across updates. While the prospect of third-party watch faces may present more customization, Apple's commitment to stability currently takes precedence over this feature's introduction.
Apple is determined to maintain its stance on smartwatch dials
The conversation also delved into the topic of Force Touch, a feature that had allowed users access to more functions by exerting greater pressure on the screen. Lynch clarified that Force Touch was initially designed to facilitate seldom-used features within the restricted display space. However, it was found to be less intuitive, as it required users to know the exact application of additional force.
However, with recent Apple Watch models flaunting larger screens, the requirement for Force Touch has waned. The increased display space permits more user-friendly methods of presenting information and integrating extra features, rendering Force Touch redundant.
In their ongoing quest to refine the Apple Watch experience, Apple continues to value user feedback. The impending watchOS update will introduce modifications such as repurposing the Digital Crown button press for more accessible Control Center and deploying a new widget system to amplify data accessibility.
In summary, Apple's commitment to offering a stable and consistent experience to Apple Watch users remains strong. Their approach ensures that software updates and feature removals align with their vision of optimal usability and user satisfaction.