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The Apple Watch, renowned for its versatility and customization, offers users the ability to switch between an impressive array of watch faces. With watchOS 26, Apple continues to refine this experience, introducing new optimizations for the Apple Watch Series 10. However, despite the enhancements, not all news is positive. Apple’s ongoing decision to discontinue several watch faces through software updates has become a trend that leaves many users disappointed. Let’s dive into what watchOS 26 brings to the table, and explore why certain beloved faces are being retired.
Apple Watch Faces in watchOS 26: Optimizations and Discontinuations
Apple Watch users have long been able to choose from a vast collection of watch faces, with nearly 60 different options to customize the experience. However, with the arrival of watchOS 26, Apple has once again focused on enhancing functionality for the Series 10 model, bringing improvements in performance, efficiency, and usability. These changes are designed to further optimize the user experience, allowing users to personalize their Apple Watch even more.
However, not all the news regarding watchOS 26 is favorable. Apple has continued its trend of removing watch faces through software updates, a practice that began with watchOS 11. In the previous update, the company eliminated four watch faces: the Siri face, as well as the analog Chronograph, Explorer, and Numerals faces. This move was met with some backlash from users who were attached to these designs.
Since then, Apple introduced new watch faces like Flux, Reflections, Pride Harmony, and Unity Rhythm. While these faces were meant to offer fresh options, Apple has opted to go back to its old habit of discontinuing watch faces with watchOS 26, removing five more options:
Fire and Water
Gradient
Liquid Metal
Toy Story
Vapor
The removal of these watch faces, which have been part of the Apple Watch experience for years, has left many users lamenting the loss of familiar designs.
What Undercode Say: A Deeper Look at the Trend
Undercode’s analysis of Apple’s decision to retire certain watch faces focuses on the broader implications of this practice. Apple’s strategy of discontinuing watch faces has raised concerns over long-term user satisfaction. Many users have become accustomed to these faces and are disappointed when they are abruptly removed with each software update. This removal practice also raises questions about Apple’s commitment to user customization, a feature that has been one of the key selling points of the Apple Watch.
Apple’s decision to introduce new faces like Flux and Reflections is part of an ongoing effort to keep the Apple Watch experience fresh. However, by simultaneously retiring popular faces, Apple seems to create a push-and-pull effect, where users must continuously adapt to new changes. While this can keep the product feeling dynamic and evolving, it can also leave loyal users feeling as though they are being left behind, especially when it comes to faces that hold sentimental value, such as Toy Story or Gradient.
Furthermore, Apple’s focus on creating premium hardware and software experiences has shifted towards pushing a more minimalistic, sleek design philosophy. With watchOS 26 and its emphasis on the Apple Watch Series 10’s performance, Apple may be looking to simplify the visual experience of the watch faces. This could explain the removal of more intricate, visually complex faces like Liquid Metal or Fire and Water, in favor of faces that align with the current trend of clean, elegant designs.
From a consumer perspective, the fact that these discontinued faces were once celebrated for their creativity and the technical effort involved in their creation only adds to the frustration. Behind-the-scenes accounts, such as Apple designer Alan Dye’s remarks on how some of these faces were created practically—by using real-life elements and not digital effects—highlight the level of care that went into crafting these iconic designs. The effort behind Fire and Water, for instance, was more than just digital rendering—it involved real-time flame and liquid simulations in the studio, underscoring Apple’s commitment to craftsmanship. As these faces disappear, it feels like a loss not just of visuals, but of the spirit of innovation that Apple’s design team once showcased.
Fact Checker Results ✅❌
True: Apple has removed multiple watch faces over the years, including faces like Fire, Gradient, and Toy Story in watchOS 26. ✅
False: Apple is replacing all old watch faces with new ones in each update. ❌ – The focus on new hardware and performance improvements does not guarantee that new faces will always replace discontinued ones.
True: WatchOS 26 continues to improve Apple Watch Series 10 functionality with optimization and performance improvements. ✅
Prediction 🔮
Looking ahead, it’s likely that Apple will continue its trend of retiring certain watch faces with each software update. However, this strategy could evolve with a greater focus on developing modular, customizable faces that allow users to create their own personalized experiences rather than relying solely on pre-designed options. While some may see this as an effort to streamline the user experience, others might view it as a missed opportunity to embrace a more inclusive design approach that caters to long-term Apple Watch users who have come to love certain classic watch faces. In the coming years, we may also see a greater integration of AI-driven customization tools, allowing users to design faces based on their own preferences and even environmental conditions.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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