The dust has barely settled on Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 Conference, and most people, as expected, are worried Apple’s new Vision Pro AR glasses. The new Macs and other software updates received some attention at first, but were quickly drowned out by an Internet buzz that became raucous about Apple’s latest hardware innovations, praising them, mocking them, and generally mocking them, seemingly in equal measure. Measures.
Regardless of my personal feelings about VR and AR, I think it’s funny that Apple announced a screen distance feature and a device attached to your eyeball not 30 minutes apart.
But I’m not here to talk about Vision Pro, like everyone else. I want to talk about one of WatchOS 10 Innovations that were somewhat highlighted during the presentation. I haven’t seen a lot of chatter about it online, but the new hiking features in watchOS 10 sound really excellent. We’ll have to get our hands on it so we can use it properly, of course, but with power Apple Watch UltraIt looks like Apple has finally got its combination of outdoor-focused hardware and software on its hands.
Topographic maps across the United States, with trail information including ridge shading, elevation, difficulty levels, points of interest, and more, were an aspect of the presentation that got thrown in there almost unmentioned, but might turn off runners, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. To do double duty.
Most Garmins require that topographic maps be downloaded separately as GPX files using the Garmin Explore app, while more detailed satellite maps must be purchased. At least for users in the US, Apple seems to have them all set to use the Maps app as a new offering. And it certainly didn’t mention third-party downloads or additional purchases. Apple also indicated during the presentation that more countries will follow suit.
A 3D view of the compass complication can display not only your elevation journey, showing you how high or low you’ve climbed so far, but it provides automatically generated waypoints based on the best place to make a phone call, directing you back to that place. Spot it in case you need help. Or you want to call your loved ones and brag about how far you have come that day.
It’s a great feature, combined with the Apple Watch Ultra’s excellent advanced compass, barometer, and precise dual-frequency GPS., You will likely never get lost again. Combined with these features, the ultra-durable siren, night mode, and extra-long battery life can make the Ultra an ideal tool for overnight guides.
the Huawei watch ultimate, which has an excellent exploration mode, does not reach the kind of heights we are talking about. Garmins can reach this goal, albeit with additional purchases and frequent app switching, and will last much longer in the field.
But I have a feeling that when watchOS 10 is combined with Apple Watch Ultra, it could become a favorite among hikers everywhere.
It’s already a near-term thing – check out our guide to Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin Fenix 7 To check how Ultra competes against one The best Garmin watches For outdoor pursuits.
This article has been modified to clarify the difference between Garmin satellite maps and topographic maps.
