In a recent interview with Swiss media TagesAngzeiger, Apple Vice Presidents Kevin Lynch and Deidre Caldbeck shed light on the upcoming changes in the watchOS and addressed the issue of third-party watch faces for the Apple Watch. Apple enthusiasts will have to wait longer for the introduction of third-party watch faces, as the company intends to prioritize stability and consistency.

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Stability Matters: Apple’s Reasoning Behind No Third-Party Watch Faces for Apple Watch

Lynch emphasized that the watch face serves as the Apple Watch’s home screen and, therefore, needs to remain consistent and stable. Apple wants to ensure that the watch face continues to function seamlessly even after major watchOS updates. By maintaining control over watch face development, Apple can guarantee compatibility with other operating system elements.

Caldbeck assured users that Apple takes responsibility for ensuring that the watch face works reliably throughout updates. While third-party watch faces may offer customization options, Apple’s focus on stability outweighs the introduction of this feature for now.

The interview also touched upon the removal of Force Touch, a feature that allowed users to access additional functions by pressing harder on the screen. Lynch explained that the initial purpose of Force Touch was to accommodate rarely-used features within the limited display space. However, the interaction proved to be less intuitive, requiring users to know precisely when and where to apply the additional force.

With the introduction of larger screens in recent Apple Watch models, the need for Force Touch has diminished. The expanded display space allows for more straightforward ways to display information and incorporate additional features, making Force Touch unnecessary.

Apple continues to prioritize user feedback in refining the Apple Watch experience. The forthcoming watchOS update will bring changes like repurposing the Digital Crown button press for easier access to the Control Center and introduction of a new widget system to enhance data accessibility.

Overall, Apple remains committed to providing a stable and consistent experience for Apple Watch users, ensuring that both software updates and the removal of features align with their vision for the product’s usability and user satisfaction.

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(Source, Via)