For years, Apple Watch users have been limited when it comes to audio playback on their device. From the very first Apple Watch model, the built-in speaker could only handle short audio interactions in the foreground. This limitation applied to all audio apps, including text-to-speech (TTS) apps, which meant that for longer, more immersive audio experiences, you needed to rely on wireless headphones like AirPods or any other Bluetooth model.
For anyone using text-to-speech apps to read long-form content like PDFs, this was a frustrating drawback. If you wanted to listen to an entire document or eBook, you had to wear wireless headphones, even when you might have preferred to use the Apple Watch speaker directly.
Apple Watch 10 Brings Game-Changing Improvements
The latest Apple Watch 10 has finally addressed these limitations. Along with its bigger screen, thinner design, and improved image quality from different angles, one of the most significant upgrades is its more power-efficient and high-quality speaker. This enhancement has opened up a new realm of possibilities, particularly for long-form background audio, which can now be enjoyed without the need for AirPods or other wireless earbuds.
According to some sources on the internet, this technology is also available on Apple Watch Ultra 2 and it will be enabled to stream background audio through the device speaker with the watchOS 11 OS update for this model.
With this new speaker technology, you can now listen to TTS audio directly from your Apple Watch without any external devices. Whether you’re walking around your home or on a short break, you no longer have to be tethered to your AirPods just to enjoy long-form content.
Limited TTS Apps for Apple Watch 10
However, despite this exciting development, the selection of TTS apps on the Apple Watch remains fairly limited. Unlike the iPhone, where users have access to a broad array of apps, only two apps currently support long-form TTS playback on Apple Watch.
Among these two options, Speech Central stands out as the best choice. Not only does it offer all the features available in its competitor, but it also goes further by adding a rich set of capabilities to enhance your reading experience. With Speech Central, you can listen to PDFs, Word documents, and web articles—all through the improved speaker on your Apple Watch 10, without needing to rely on AirPods.
How to Play TTS Audio on Apple Watch Without Headphones
If you’re looking to take full advantage of these new features, simply download Speech Central to your Apple Watch 10. The app makes it easy to play long-form text-to-speech content directly through the watch’s speaker, offering the flexibility and convenience that previous Apple Watch models couldn’t provide. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Download Speech Central from the App Store.
2. Open the app on your Apple Watch 10.
3. Select your desired content—whether it’s a PDF, web article, or Word document.
4. Start playback and enjoy the TTS audio through the built-in speaker.
With the Apple Watch 10’s new capabilities, users can finally experience long-form TTS content without always having to rely on AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones. This update marks a big leap forward in accessibility and convenience, especially for those who use their Apple Watch as a hands-free reading tool.
Enjoying TTS on Apple Watch 10: A New Era
The Apple Watch 10 has redefined what’s possible with wearable devices. Whether you’re using it for fitness, productivity, or reading, the improvements in speaker technology make it an ideal device for enjoying text-to-speech content without needing wireless headphones.
So if you’re searching for ways to play TTS audio on your Apple Watch without AirPods, look no further than the new capabilities of the Apple Watch 10. Make sure to download Speech Central to maximize your TTS experience, and embrace the freedom of enjoying long-form content directly through the watch’s speaker.