A year ago, I questioned whether the Siri face would survive watchOS 10 and Apple Watch widgets. Apple had never retired a watch face before, so it seemed likely that the Siri face would stick around, albeit needing some updates to remain relevant. However, with the release of watchOS 11, the Siri face has been removed from the Apple Watch and replaced by a new feature called Smart Stack.
The Smart Stack is a dynamic widget system that displays widgets based on factors like time, location, and activities. It includes widgets for Live Activities, Shazam, distance, training load, photos, and weather alerts. One of the key reasons for the removal of the Siri face was the introduction of the double tap gesture, which was incompatible with the Siri face’s interface.
watchOS 11 also includes improvements for auto-launching apps during Live Activities and media playback. The default setting now automatically launches the Smart Stack when an activity or media is active, eliminating the need for a double tap gesture. The Smart Stack essentially functions as a redesigned version of the Siri face, incorporating its features in a more efficient manner.
Looking ahead, it’s possible that Apple may introduce an Apple Intelligence face in future versions of the Apple Watch or watchOS. This could potentially integrate Siri with ChatGPT, creating a more advanced and intuitive user experience. In the meantime, Apple is making strides in generative AI technology and has been exploring ways to enhance user interactions with intelligent systems.
Overall, the removal of the Siri face in watchOS 11 marks a significant shift in the way widgets and interfaces are displayed on the Apple Watch. The introduction of the Smart Stack demonstrates Apple’s commitment to improving user experience and adapting to changing technological trends. As we look to the future of wearable technology, the integration of AI and advanced features like ChatGPT could revolutionize the way we interact with our devices.