In a recent sit-down with Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, Apple’s VP of Technology, Kevin Lynch, was quizzed about the prospect of third-party watch faces for the tech giant’s beloved Apple Watch.
User experience is the cornerstone of Apple’s design philosophy, and in this context, Lynch emphasized the need to ensure a smooth functioning of watch faces, especially following significant watchOS updates.
Imagine the user frustration if they installed a third-party watch face that turned out to be incompatible with a new watchOS update, resulting in an endless cycle of crashes and reboots. This is the exact situation that Apple is eager to avoid, hence the decision to maintain control over the Apple Watch’s watch faces, ensuring compatibility with every system update.
Apple’s approach isn’t exclusive to their smartwatch; the company also keeps a tight rein on the home screens of iPhones and iPads. By maintaining control over these devices’ appearance and functionality, Apple promises users a consistent and reliable experience.
Your Personalization Options
Despite disappointment from some Apple Watch users at the restrictions on third-party watch faces, Apple seeks to counterbalance this limitation with a range of customization options.
Users can still choose from a variety of watch faces designed by Apple itself. Plus, the newly released watchOS 10 has added widget support, offering even more flexibility on the device’s home screen.
Skeptics Say…
Critics argue that Apple’s justification seems somewhat shallow – it’s akin to saying, “We won’t allow the installation of third-party apps because we’re not sure if they’ll be compatible with system updates.”
But it’s important to note that iPhone apps run the same risk, which is why Apple releases beta versions for over two months before an update, providing developers ample time to adapt their code.
Interestingly, several competitor smartwatches allowed face customization well before the Apple Watch’s inception.
Workarounds for Custom Watch Faces
For the more tech-savvy Apple enthusiasts, there are workarounds to alter the watch face, even without jailbreaking.
Certain apps can facilitate this, but they come with their own set of drawbacks. You may need to keep the app always open, and integration with the system might not be seamless. Still, if you’re looking to impress your friends on occasion, these solutions might do the trick.
At your request, we may create a future tutorial on how to install alternative watch faces on your Apple Watch. Stay tuned!
Despite these workarounds, remember that Apple’s approach is rooted in prioritizing the user experience and ensuring stability. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there are always new ways to push the envelope.
