Since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015, it’s had the same honeycomb-style grid that shows off all your apps in a haphazard layout that relies more on memory than intuition. According to a new leak, that will change with version 10.
After Mark Gurman reported that watchOS 10 was due for an “updated interface,” analyst 941 on Twitter, who leaked a flood of information about iOS 17 and the iPhone 15, claims that watchOS 10 “has a redesigned layout/grid of home screen”. According to the report, the new grid will be “much easier to use,” with a layout that takes its design cues from iOS.
According to analyst 941, this means icons are arranged in rows rather than in a honeycomb pattern. Unlike on the iPhone, you scroll vertically to see the rest of your apps instead of swiping back and forth. According to the views they provide, nine apps can fit on the screen at a time, three of which are still partially visible.
Analyst 941 also says watchOS 10 will support folders for the first time, though it’s unclear how they’ll work. They say folders will be “very reminiscent of the iOS 4-6 days,” which were limited to 12 apps and a single screen. Since you can’t hide apps on Apple Watch like you can on iPhone, folders are an important way to tidy up a watch that has a lot of apps installed.
The leaker says they’ll be coming out with “heavy details SOON” and we can’t wait to see what else watchOS 10, which is shaping up to be WWDC’s biggest news, has to offer.
