Apple TV adds watchlist, Apple Watch Series 10 faces limit, and missing features in new AirPods Max

Key Points:

1. Apple TV app in iOS 18.1 introduces a separate Watchlist for improved content management.
2. Apple Watch Series 10 lacks exclusive Ultra watch faces despite having a larger screen.
3. The new AirPods Max misses several modern Apple features in other models.

Apple TV App Enhancements in iOS 18.1

Apple is refining how users manage their watch queues in the Apple TV app with the iOS 18.1 beta. The traditional “Up Next” section has been renamed to “Continue Watching,” and a new “Watchlist” feature has been added. The Watchlist exclusively stores TV shows and movies users specifically want to watch later, making it distinct from “Continue Watching,” which includes ongoing content.

Currently, in beta, the Watchlist is tucked away on the Home tab and requires significant scrolling to access. However, future updates could place it in a more accessible location, possibly linking it to the Library tab. Once fully implemented, these changes should streamline the Apple TV app, mirroring the organization of other streaming services by clearly separating what’s next and what’s in progress.

Apple Watch Series 10: No Ultra Watch Faces

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a large display similar to the Apple Watch Ultra, but it doesn’t support two exclusive Ultra watch faces: Modular Ultra and Wayfinder. While the Series 10 boasts a larger screen than the Ultra, it lacks these unique faces that offer extra customization options, such as up to seven complications and bezel data displays.

The absence of these faces might be a deliberate choice by Apple to keep certain features exclusive to the Ultra series. However, the Series 10 still provides plenty of new watchOS 11 features, though users hoping for full Ultra functionality may be disappointed.

Missing Features in New AirPods Max

Apple’s recently updated AirPods Max, launched with USB-C and fresh color options, still fall short of modern features found in other AirPods models. While the over-ear headphones offer high-quality audio, they lack key features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume, which are available on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4.

These absent features may deter users who have grown accustomed to the convenience and intelligence offered by newer AirPods models. Despite this, the AirPods Max remain a premium option for over-ear headphones, though alternatives like the Beats Studio Pro or the Bose QuietComfort offer similar quality at a lower price.

By simplifying content management in the Apple TV app, improving software on the Apple Watch, and refining AirPods Max features, Apple is making incremental changes to its ecosystem. However, certain limitations in each product might influence users’ purchasing decisions.