Apple's latest version of watchOS promises to bring rich HTML content to the wrists of Apple Watch users, thanks to new Webkit optimizations that improve apps like Mail and Messages.

Apple expanded on the new WebKit features at a WWDC session, in which it explained to developers how they can optimize web content for viewing on Apple Watch screens.

watchos 5 rich html content
Currently in the watchOS Mail app, rich HTML messages are rendered in a text-only format and users are prompted to view the content on another device for the full experience.

Likewise, tapping a URL link received in Mail or Messages directs Apple Watch users to their iPhone to view the web page.

However, in watchOS 5, full HTML emails are capable of being displayed on Apple Watch in cases where text-only formatting can't express the content of the message, and users can also view web page links, as well as interact with them, albeit in a limited way.

For example, turning the Digital Crown on Apple Watch scrolls the HTML content vertically, or users can drag with their finger to move up and down the page, while double-tapping zooms the content in and out, similar to iPhone.

In a Force Touch addition, a firm press on the Apple Watch screen reveals back and forward buttons to navigate through your viewing history (swiping left and right does the same thing).

watchOS 5 rich web content
Apple says it achieved the WebKit optimizations by shrinking the 320-pixel display used by the iPhone SE to fit the 156-pixel width of the Apple Watch display, and then computing the initial scale of the page so that the content width fits within the smaller screen. Basically, this allows text and images to appear smaller while preserving the overall layout of the page.

Apple notes that the optimizations are aimed at quickly consuming content, so some features like video playback and web fonts aren't currently available. However, users will be able to interact with forms within HTML content, and there's also an Safari-like Reader mode, which automatically activates on text-heavy web pages (the Reader Mode option is also accessible via Force Touch, so users can choose to read pages on their watch with extraneous content stripped out).

watchOS 5, due for release in the fall, promises several other improvements and features, including Walkie-Talkie for touch-to-talk communications with friends, automatic workout detection, and updates to the Siri watch face.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 8
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Top Rated Comments

ArtOfWarfare Avatar
63 months ago
I get the sense that Apple still doesn’t know what they’re doing with the Apple Watch and they’re just throwing ideas at it and seeing what sticks.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
63 months ago
I get the sense that Apple still doesn’t know what they’re doing with the Apple Watch and they’re just throwing ideas at it and seeing what sticks.
They must be doing something right, with its popularity. However, Can you elaborate on this? I mean it’s rather vague what you’re saying. In terms of where watchOS once was and where it is now, how is it “They don’t what they’re doing”? I also think anytime Apple introduces something new, it must have some type of acceptance in order for it to be useful to somebody. I’m not sure how others don’t expect software to expand if they don’t try new things.
[doublepost=1528369066][/doublepost]
Am I the only one that thinks the screen is way too damn small to read an article on a holiday destination as demonstrated?
I just think it’d look really dumb and feel really dumb if you were squinting at this tiny little screen scrolling thru an article.
Just pull out your phone it’d be so much quicker!!.
We know the iPhone would serve a different purpose for a larger display, but Apple Watch is nice because you don’t have to have your iPhone with you all the time to glance at the display to see something and then revert to the iPhone if you want to. OtherWise, it sounds like the Apple Watch isn’t really for you based on your concerns over a small screen, given its alternative functionality.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blackstick Avatar
63 months ago
I have this justifiable feeling my Series 1 is going to be dog slow when this rolls around in September.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Smigit Avatar
63 months ago
I’m pretty excited to see this myself. I think most of my emails contain HTML and while o don’t want a full desktop experience, right now those emails are impossible to check on the Watch. If this can at least make the more simple ones readable I think it’ll be a great update.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
groovyf Avatar
63 months ago
I hope this is a toggle. Doesn't Mail app by default (macOS) not load external content unless you click the link to "Download all images"?
I cna't help but think that "nasties" could be loaded to the watch via this rich HTML view.

[Edit: corrected "phone" to "watch"]
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
roguedaemon Avatar
63 months ago
Am I the only one that thinks the screen is way too damn small to read an article on a holiday destination as demonstrated?
I just think it’d look really dumb and feel really dumb if you were squinting at this tiny little screen scrolling thru an article.
Just pull out your phone it’d be so much quicker!!

I can barely read a text on mine, I just see oh cool I have a notification and pull out my phone.
[doublepost=1528368217][/doublepost]
I hope this is a toggle. Doesn't Mail app by default (macOS) not load external content unless you click the link to "Download all images"?
I cna't help but think that "nasties" could be loaded to the phone via this rich HTML view.
Is that not all computers tho? I’d feel safest on an Apple smart device rather than an android or windows based computer.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 16

iOS 16.4 for iPhone Nearing Launch With These 5 New Features

Monday March 20, 2023 11:50 am PDT by
Apple says iOS 16.4 is coming in the spring, which began this week. In his Sunday newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the update should be released "in the next three weeks or so," meaning a public release is likely in late March or early April. iOS 16.4 remains in beta testing and introduces a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone. Below, we have recapped five new features ...
iPhone 15 Pro Buttons CAD Leak

iPhone 15 Pro Leak Reveals Unified Volume Button and Mute Button

Monday March 20, 2023 8:33 am PDT by
As previously rumored, the next-generation iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a unified volume button and a mute button, according to leaked CAD images shared in a video on the Chinese version of TikTok and posted to Twitter by ShrimpApplePro. Instead of separate buttons for volume up and volume down, the iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have a single elongated button for...
voice isolation

iOS 16.4 Adds Voice Isolation for Cellular Phone Calls

Tuesday March 21, 2023 11:01 am PDT by
The iOS 16.4 update that is set to be released to the public in the near future includes voice isolation for cellular calls, according to notes that Apple shared today. Apple says that Voice Isolation will prioritize your voice and block out the ambient noise around you, making for clearer phone calls where you can better hear the person you're chatting with and vice versa. Voice...
airpodsd 3 purple 4

iOS 16.4 Seemingly References New AirPods and AirPods Case

Tuesday March 21, 2023 11:43 am PDT by
The iOS 16.4 release candidate version that was provided to developers today appears to hint at a new set of AirPods that could be coming in the near future. According to @aaronp613, the beta features references to AirPods that have a model number of A3048 and an AirPods case with a model number of A2968. There have been no rumors that new AirPods are on the horizon, and it is early for...
maxresdefault

Nothing Launches $149 Ear (2) Wireless Earbuds to Compete With AirPods Pro 2

Wednesday March 22, 2023 9:48 am PDT by
Nothing today announced the launch of its second-generation wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (2), which offer many of the same features as Apple's AirPods Pro 2 at a lower price point. We went hands-on with the Ear (2) earbuds to see whether they're a viable alternative to the AirPods Pro 2 for those who want to save some cash. The Ear (2) earbuds are the successor to the Nothing Ear (1),...
iOS 16

Apple Seeds Release Candidate Versions of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 to Developers [Update: Public RC Available]

Tuesday March 21, 2023 10:25 am PDT by
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the launch of the fourth betas. The RCs mark the final version of the software that will be provided to the public in the near future. Registered developers are able to download the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 updates...
apple park at night 1

Apple 'Tracking Employee Attendance' in Crackdown on Remote Working

Thursday March 23, 2023 3:41 am PDT by
Apple is tracking the attendance of its employees at offices using badge records in order to ensure they are coming in at least three times a week, according to Platformer's Zoë Schiffer. Since April 2022, Apple employees have been operating on a hybrid home/office work policy as part of a gradual return strategy following the pandemic, with staff required to work from the office at least...
iphone 14 pro max deep purple feature purple

iPhone 15 Pro Rumor Recap: 10 New Features and Changes to Expect

Thursday March 23, 2023 6:42 am PDT by
While the iPhone 15 series is still around six months away from launching, there have already been plenty of rumors about the devices. Many new features and changes have been rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular. Below, we have recapped 10 changes rumored for iPhone 15 Pro models that are not expected to be available on the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus:A1...