With each watchOS update, the operating system for our Apple Watches, there is talk of the possibility of Apple allowing third-party watch faces on the Apple Watch. Now, with watchOS 10, the story repeats itself, but this time Apple has revealed the main reason why it does not permit such third-party watch faces on the device.
User experience is the priority
Apple has always been known for its focus on every detail of design and user experience. This level of meticulousness and attention has resulted in exceptional products that have defined categories and propelled the company to its current position as a leader in the technology industry and a design reference. Now, in an interview with Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger (via 9to5mac), Apple’s vice presidents Deidre Caldbeck and Kevin Lynch have delved into a topic that had never been addressed before.
Apple’s vice president, Kevin Lynch, who introduced watchOS 10 at the previous WWDC, has explained that the reason third-party watch faces don’t exist is due to system stability and coherence. According to Lynch, Apple wouldn’t be able to ensure that third-party watch faces continue to function properly after operating system changes.
We’re not just talking about apps needing to update for system changes; on the Apple Watch, the watch face is a fundamental part of the user experience. It’s an area where Apple wants to maintain the freedom to make changes, as we’ve seen with the complete redesign of the interface in watchOS 10, which introduced widgets.
Incorporating third-party watch faces could result in compatibility issues every time the operating system is updated. This, in turn, could lead to a significant degradation of the overall user experience on the Apple Watch. Both executives also argue that the company already offers users a lot of flexibility to customize their watch faces, especially considering that watch faces support complications from third-party apps, offering a wide range of information and functionality directly on the watch screen.
In essence, Apple’s argument boils down to its unwavering commitment to quality and user experience. While the addition of third-party watch faces could add an additional layer of customization, it also presents a risk of instability that the company is not willing to take. This is similar to the approach taken with home screen customization in iPadOS 17, StandBy mode, and other areas where it is clear that stability and coherence remain the priority for all devices.
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