What to Know
- Apple's September 2023 software update to the Apple Watch is called watchOS 10.
- We've seen some changes in watchOS 12, including access to the Control Center and adding a Mood Tracker.
- In order to use watchOS 10 on your Apple Watch, you will need to download iOS 17 to your iPhone.
The latest Apple Watch update brings exciting new features to your watch and helps improve existing software and fix known bugs. If you've been wondering how to update your Apple Watch, we’ll cover which Apple Watches are compatible with watchOS 10 and how to get the watchOS 10 download so you can take advantage of the new Apple Watch update!
Jump To:
- What You Need for the watchOS 10 Update & Compatibility
- How to Update Your Apple Watch to watchOS 10 Using Your iPhone
- How to Update Your Apple Watch without an iPhone
- Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need for the watchOS 10 Update & Compatibility
System Requirements:
Note that not all features are available on all devices. watchOS 10 requires iPhone XS, iPhone XR or later with iOS 17 and one of the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
A lot of people in our Facebook group ask, "why is my Apple Watch update so slow?" Please keep in mind that it's normal for an Apple Watch software update to take up to an hour, so make sure to update when you don't need to use your watch; overnight is ideal. Also, there may be background tasks running even after the update is complete, and this may negatively impact your battery life for a few days after the watchOS update. You can expect software updates to fix bugs and even result in your Apple Watch being more accurate at recording active and total calories.
How to Update Your Apple Watch to watchOS 10 Using Your iPhone
If you don't see the update as available right away once Apple has announced its release, give it a day or two. By then, the software update should be rolled out to all users. Don’t forget to back up your Apple Watch by backing up the iPhone it's paired with before you update to Apple's latest operating system:
- Be sure the iPhone paired to your Apple Watch is updated to iOS 17.
- Your Apple Watch should be charged to at least 50 percent and kept on its charger.
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Keep your Apple Watch next to your iPhone.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
![Open the Watch app on your iPhone - ios watch update]()
- Under My Watch tab, tap General.
![Next, tap Software Update.]()
- Next, tap Software Update.
![Next, tap Software Update.]()
- Download the update; enter your iPhone passcode and Apple Watch passcode if asked.
- A progress wheel will appear on your Apple Watch; don't quit the Watch app or restart your Apple Watch or iPhone until the update completes.
- Your Apple Watch will restart when the update is complete.
Pro Tip: If you experience your Apple Watch stuck on update while pairing or any other issues, check out this Apple Watch won’t update article. If you have heard the myths about software updates being bad for your device, read this.
How to Update Your Apple Watch without an iPhone
If your Apple Watch is already updated to watchOS 6 or later, you don't need your iPhone to install watchOS 10 or future updates. All you need to do is:
- Make sure your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
![Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.]()
- Tap General.
![Tap General.]()
- Next, tap Software Update.
![Next, tap Software Update.]()
- Tap Install if you see that watchOS 10 is available.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install watchOS 10.
Welcome to watchOS 10! It can take a while for you to get used to all the new features. Luckily, we have and will keep publishing guides to help you navigate your updated device. Check out our free Tip of the Day for more great Apple Watch tutorials!
FAQ:
- Why is my Apple Watch not updating? The most common reason why your Apple Watch may be unable to update is because you do not have sufficient storage. Check out how to clear out some storage to make space. Additionally, try putting your iPhone and your Apple Watch on the charger while it updates. Typically, in order to update, the Apple Watch needs to be above twenty percent battery.
- When should I upgrade my Apple Watch? You should update your Apple Watch every time Apple releases a new update. Keeping all your devices up to date helps prevent bugs, security breaches, and battery drain.
- Do Apple watches need to be upgraded? You do not need to update your Apple Watch in order for it to function. However, it is best practice to keep your devices up to date. If you miss an update every now and then, that's really no problem. But do try to keep Apple devices updated at least once a year.
