Apple Seeds watchOS 10.4 Release Candidate to Developers

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the release candidate version of an upcoming watchOS 10.4 update to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the fourth watchOS 10.4 beta. The RC is the finalized version of watchOS 10.4 that will see a public launch next week.

To install the ‌watchOS 10.4‌ update, developers need to open the Apple Watch app, go to the Software Update section under "General" in Settings, and toggle on the watchOS 10 Developer Beta. An Apple ID linked to a developer account is required.

Once beta updates have been activated, watchOS 10.4 can be downloaded under the same Software Update section. To install software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life and it must be placed on an Apple Watch charger.

watchOS 10.4 includes new emoji characters such as a lime, an edible brown mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, shaking head vertically (as in a "yes" nod), and shaking head horizontally (a "no" head shake). There is also a Setting to disable the Double Tap feature on Apple Watch when using Vision Pro, as the Double Tap gestures might be accidentally activated when controlling Vision Pro.

Apple's release notes for the update are below:

watchOS 10.4 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
- Tap to Show Full Notification setting now allows you to double tap to expand the notification
- Using Apple Pay with Confirm with AssistiveTouch will require a passcode for additional security and will not support double clicking the side button
- Resolves an issue that causes some users to experience false touches on the display
- Fixes an issue that prevents contacts from syncing to Apple Watch for some users

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

watchOS 10.4 will likely see a public release in the near future alongside iOS 17.4.



Article Link: Apple Seeds watchOS 10.4 Release Candidate to Developers

 

[Motawa]

still waiting for a fix for watch faces in the phone app taking like 10 minutes to load

 

[t0rqx]

Since 10.3.1 the battery drain is unbelievable. They must feel the sales slumping since the S9 does not sell and the Blood OxyGen Sensor lowering the sales already.

 

[cocky jeremy]

I always update these but never read what is supposed to be added. Mostly because nothing useful seems to get added.

 

[BarrettF77]

Why does this article say for the software releasing next week? Isn’t watch OS going to come out tomorrow with the rest of the software?

I’m assuming it’s a typo perhaps as we expected this software last week but was delayed.

 

[VulchR]

Since 10.3.1 the battery drain is unbelievable. They must feel the sales slumping since the S9 does not sell and the Blood OxyGen Sensor lowering the sales already.

A bit cynical, but I wish Apple would be very careful to optimise battery life...

 

[CarAnalogy]

Why does this article say for the software releasing next week? Isn’t watch OS going to come out tomorrow with the rest of the software?

I’m assuming it’s a typo perhaps as we expected this software last week but was delayed.

It's a weird cycle this time. I too noticed that the Watch update didn't accompany the iOS update. I'm guessing at this point they will both be delayed. Seems very odd they would release an RC this late and then do the public release two days later.

We'll see.

 

[allenvanhellen]

Why does Smart Stack show an analogue clock? If I'm using an analogue face (most of which don't have clear minute markings BTW) I want to be able to quickly see the exact time digitally, not just another analogue clock.

 

[IIGS User]

You had me at lime emoji

 

[MUrhino]

Anyone having random haptic feedback, as if an alert came in, but there isn’t actually an alert? I upgraded from the Series 6 to an Ultra 2, and this has been happening to me. It’s usually after an initial notification w/ haptic feedback, and once I’ve looked at it and put my watch down, another buzz will happen maybe 10-30 sec later - but with nothing on watch face or in Notification Center.

I’ve at least submitted a bug report to Apple, but haven’t called AppleCare yet. Holding out for a software fix.

 

[nberry78]

I always update these but never read what is supposed to be added. Mostly because nothing useful seems to get added.

Yea same here I pretty much get updates for bug and security updates the features have been minimal at best with Apple Watch.

 

[SkimPappa]

Anyone having random haptic feedback, as if an alert came in, but there isn’t actually an alert? I upgraded from the Series 6 to an Ultra 2, and this has been happening to me. It’s usually after an initial notification w/ haptic feedback, and once I’ve looked at it and put my watch down, another buzz will happen maybe 10-30 sec later - but with nothing on watch face or in Notification Center.

I’ve at least submitted a bug report to Apple, but haven’t called AppleCare yet. Holding out for a software fix.

Mine was buzzing on the hour every hour. Got pretty annoying until I found the setting to turn it off.