The best part of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference is getting a look at all the new features that Apple has planned for its product line. In the case of the Apple Watch, today’s conference allowed us to take a look at all the updates coming later this fall, and maybe a few hints about what Apple has in mind for the Series 7. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to get familiar with watchOS 8.
WWDC wouldn’t be without new watch faces
No, we won’t have third-party watch faces this year either. (You didn’t really think this would happen, did you?). However, Apple has unveiled its own cool new watch face.
This year, we’ll see new areas with portrait mode photos. This is exactly what it sounds like. You can make your watch face a very elegant version of the faces of your loved ones. But this is the only new ball, which is a bit surprising since we usually see two or three.
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Deeper integration with Apple services
You can say whatever you want about Apple’s Walled Garden, but the truth is that Creates Perfect ecosystem of devices and services. Last year it introduced Fitness+, Apple’s first service to feature the Apple Watch, so it’s no wonder some updates are coming. Fitness+ introduces a new range of workouts with renowned trainer Janet Jenkins, who teaches strength training and high-intensity exercises. This is the second new trainer since launch. Fitness+ also includes Artist Spotlights, or playlists based on a specific musician via Apple Music. (Very similar to what other services like Peloton offer.)
The Photos app has also been redesigned to include Memories, Highlights, and Favorites. There is also a new mosaic design and it is easy to share photos and messages. Specifically, you can now use Scribble directly on the clock to edit your messages more easily. Messages also updated: you can now send gifs for reactions. Support for various timers has also been mentioned. Finally, your Apple Watch will work more seamlessly with HomeKit so you can see who’s in your house from your wrist.
Better sleep tracking, more exercise and alertness
when apple finally I brought the original sleep tracking to watchOS 7 last year, which ended up disappointing us, but we’re confident Apple will make it even better in the future. Well, the future is now. In watchOS 8, you’ll be able to track your breathing rate or the number of breaths you take per minute. You will also be notified if a significant trend in your breathing rate is detected.
Each iteration of watchOS also brings some improvements to the Health app and training types. Last year we saw a new dance training. This year, Apple added tai chi and Pilates, which makes your results even more accurate.
Another important health update is the new Mindfulness app that gives you information on how to be more thoughtful during the day.
New features of the Health app
Apple has added three new features to the Health app. The first is stability when walking. iPhones already log navigation data, but now you can see if you’re at risk of falling. Also recommendations for movement exercises to increase your strength and balance.
Another feature that Apple is expanding on is lab results. You can already see your analytics results, if you enable them in the Health app, but now you can see those results over time and get additional context. For example, you’ll see where your LDL (the “bad” type of sphygmomanometer) falls within the acceptable range. In this sense, Apple is now offering trends. This is something similar to what you already have in a fitness app, but it’s less focused on training.
Apple also created a way to share your health data directly with your doctors. You can also establish exchange relationships with family members, especially older relatives or children, to receive notifications about changes in your health.
So there you have it. There wasn’t much rumor about watchOS 8 before WWDC, but Apple has some solid updates that we’re excited to head into the Series 7 next fall. But don’t worry, it’s not like that it is necessary Buy Series 7 to get many of these features.
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