While the new features in watchOS 10.2 are nothing to write home about, installing this update will improve the experience of using your Apple Watch.
To retrieve an over-the-air update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If it shows iOS 17.2 is available, click the Update or Upgrade button.
iOS updates are automatically installed unless you disable this feature by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, then switch off the iOS Updates button below Automatically Install and Automatically Download.
watchOS 10.2 release notes: New features and fixes
watchOS 10.2 is a light on new features. There are only two big ones worth mentioning, and three small tweaks. The first major new feature permits Siri to access your data in the Health app, as well as long new entries.
The other enhances HomePod integration by automatically bringing up the Now Playing interface on your wrist when nearby s compatible Apple speaker. Apple’s full release notes for watchOS 10.2 are included right below.
watchOS 10.2 includes new features, improvements and bug fixes, including:
● Access and log Health app data with Siri (Available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2)
● Automatically view Now Playing when in proximity of HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini playing media from Music or Podcasts (Available on Apple Watch Series 6 and later and Apple Watch Ultra)
● Enable the ability to swipe to change watch faces in Settings
● Enable the ability to confirm ending workouts in Settings
● Prioritize the volume of either the music or trainers’ voices in most Fitness+ workouts
● Resolves an issue that can cause watch faces added in the Watch app on iPhone to not appear on Apple Watch
For detailed information about the security contents of watchOS 10.2, read Apple’s support document. Keep in mind that some features may not work in specific countries, as detailed on Apple’s watchOS Feature Availability page.
What’s your favorite new feature in watchOS 10.2?
If you’re on the fence of updating your Apple Watch, maybe you’ll like quality-of-life improvement in watchOS 10.2. For example, if you sometimes end your workout by mistake, you can enable an additional confirmation step.
Another new toggle in Settings will turn on swiping to change watch faces. And if trainers on Fitness+ get on your nerves, you can now deprioritize their volume and boost the music. Will those enhancements be enough to convince you to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 10.2, do you think?