As expected, Apple has officially released watchOS 7 at this year’s World Wide Developer Conference. presentedSome useful features were presented that make every Apple Watch even more interesting. Below you will find a summary.
The new Apple Watch operating system will offer features that users have been missing for a long time. For example, native sleep monitoring will be available. It will also be possible to share personalized watch faces with friends. While the update is currently only available to registered developers, Apple plans to release a public beta for the first time in July.
What's new in watchOS 7?
But what features can we look forward to? The new Apple Watch operating system contains new tools that allow developers to create more advanced types of complications. Users also have the freedom to add multiple complications from one app to a watch face. Health and fitness will also benefit from watchOS 7. The Workouts app, for example, was updated with new dance workouts and improved calorie counting. The Activities app was redesigned and renamed "Fitness." One particularly cool feature, however, is watch face sharing. This means users will be able to share their personalized watch faces with friends. Developers will also be able to add pre-made watch faces to their watch apps. But that's not all. Users will now also be able to save watch faces from the web and use them as they wish. There will also be a function for monitoring handwashing behavior – more on that below.
watchOS 7: Sleep monitoring
But the big highlight is the new sleep tracking feature. It's been reported for years, there have been repeated leaks and countless rumors, and now it's finally here. With watchOS 7, the Apple Watch will finally get native sleep tracking. This will work in conjunction with iOS 14. The goal of the feature is to help users get the best possible sleep. The Apple Watch should be able to help users fall asleep. For example, alarms can be set and the "Do Not Disturb" function activated. Once sleep mode is activated, the smartwatch's display remains off. The wearer is then awakened either by an alarm tone or by haptic feedback from the watch. The sleep analysis is then provided in the Health app, where users can evaluate the data – similar to the ECG feature.
Which Apple Watch models are supported by watchOS 7?
Of course, some users are also wondering which Apple Watch models are supported by watchOS 7. Unlike last year, the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 are no longer supported. Accordingly, the following models will be able to run the new operating system:
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- or newer…
When will Apple release watchOS 7 to the public?
As mentioned above, watchOS 7 is currently available to registered developers. This year, there will be a public preview for the first time. According to Apple, this will be released in July. This means that anyone who wants to have the new operating system beforehand can sign up for Apple's beta program and access it soon. But anyone who doesn't want to use a beta will have to wait a few more months. Apple is expected to release watchOS 7 together with the new Apple Watch Series 6. This will probably be the case in September or October. It remains to be seen when new hardware will be unveiled - due to the COVID-19 crisis, the whole thing could be delayed by a few weeks. (Image: Apple)
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