Apple Watch Gets a New Setting: "Show Data When Locked"

In a recent development, Apple has announced plans to introduce a new setting in watchOS 26 that will allow users to decide when their data is displayed on the Apple Watch. This new feature, known as "Show Data When Locked," has been discovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser within the code for the first watchOS 26 beta.

What does "Show Data When Locked" mean?

In essence, this setting will enable users to choose whether their data is displayed on the Apple Watch when the device is locked. This could be useful for users who prefer to keep certain information private or sensitive while the watch is not actively being used.

How will it work?

When the "Show Data When Locked" setting is enabled, the Apple Watch will display only the most essential data when the device is locked. For example, a user might want to see their heart rate or the time, but not access more sensitive information like fitness tracking data or notifications.

Benefits for Users

This new feature has several benefits for users:

• Increased privacy: By controlling what data is displayed on the watch while it's locked, users can ensure that sensitive information remains private.
• Reduced distractions: Users who want to focus on work or other activities while their watch is in a locked state can do so without being distracted by non-essential data.
• Improved user experience: The ability to customize what data is displayed on the Apple Watch will provide users with a more tailored and personalized experience.

Technical Details

The "Show Data When Locked" setting is implemented as a new feature in watchOS 26, which means it's only available to users who have updated their Apple Watch to the latest software. The setting can be accessed through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone or iPad.

• Beta version: As with many Apple updates, this feature is currently available in beta form for developers and testers.
• Availability: watchOS 26 will be available for public download once the final version is released.

Conclusion

The introduction of "Show Data When Locked" as a new setting in watchOS 26 represents a significant improvement to the user experience on Apple Watch. By providing users with more control over what data is displayed while the device is locked, Apple has taken an important step towards increasing privacy and reducing distractions.

As watchOS 26 continues to roll out to public users, we can expect to see this feature become even more widely available. In the meantime, users who have already upgraded to watchOS 26 will be able to take advantage of this new setting and customize their Apple Watch experience accordingly.