Upon using my Apple Watch Series 10, I noticed a recurring issue – I would often look down and not see the watch face but instead, the Smart Stack. This bothered me significantly, and I wanted to understand why. If you’re experiencing the same issue, here’s the explanation and solution.
An Irritating New Feature
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Unless checking notifications, I prefer to see the watch face I’ve chosen to display the time. This preference is especially true for luxurious Apple Watch models, where maintaining a watch-like appearance is key. The unexpected display of the Smart Stack was disrupting this, and initially, I couldn’t pinpoint the cause. However, it became evident that the Smart Stack appeared during Live Activities, triggered by actions like listening to music or using specific apps on my iPhone.
Addressing the Issue
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
While Live Activities are useful on the iPhone, they transformed my Apple Watch into a dashboard, disrupting the elegance of my watch face. To rectify this, I navigated to the Settings menu on my Apple Watch, accessed the Smart Stack options, and disabled Live Activities for Media Apps. This adjustment significantly improved my Apple Watch experience by eliminating the unwanted interruptions caused by Live Activities.
Finding a Solution
If you’re facing similar issues with Live Activities on your Apple Watch, consider adjusting the settings to enhance your user experience. By disabling Live Activities for specific apps or turning off auto-launch, you can regain control over your watch face visibility and eliminate undesired interruptions.
