Exciting new changes on the horizon for the Apple Watch
Posted June 4, 2019 6:43 pm.
Last Updated June 4, 2019 10:21 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
New watch faces are always expected when Apple launches new software for the Apple Watch, but this fall the company will bring more than just new looks to the smart wearable. Some interesting new features will be on your wrist when it comes time to updating the operating system.
From noisy work environments to summer festivals and concerts, we put our hearing through a lot as we age. Apple is introducing a new feature to Apple Watches that could help prevent hearing loss as we get older. Noise will use the microphone on your Apple Watch to monitor environmental noise levels in real time. As the sound levels change, the app’s decibel meter will move in real time. Your watch will even send you a notification if the sound levels reach 90 decibels, which according to the World Health Organization can impact hearing with as little as four hours a week.
For the first time ever, Apple will be introducing a feature designed only for women who want to start a family. Cycle Tracking will enable women to keep track of key information related to their menstrual cycle and predict timing not only for their next period, but fertility windows. All the information gathered is encrypted to ensure privacy. This feature will also be available within the Health app on the iPhone as well so you won’t have to have an Apple Watch.
Those who listen to music while they work out will be happy to hear even more audio options will be on your wrist this fall. Apple has opened up audio streaming capabilities for app developers, opening up a new world of possibilities. You can expect live sports streams, along with podcasts and radio stations to start streaming to your Apple Watch without the need for a companion app to be installed on your iPhone.
Speaking of apps, the Apple Watch will finally be getting its own App Store. Though it’s always had its own App store, but you always had to browse, select and install apps from your iPhone. That soon changes, This fall you will be able to do all of that, even pay for apps, right on your Apple Watch. About time!
A couple of other features which could prove useful include the ability to record voice memos directly onto your Apple Watch without having your iPhone with you. Oh, and the 80’s are calling, you’ll soon also have a calculator app right on your wrist to you can relive the years when calculator watches were a hit!
Oh, and about the new faces, don’t worry, there are some of those as well. Expect a new California face which will feature Arabic, and Hindi numerals, a Gradient colour face and a solar dial which will track the location of the sun.
WatchOS 6 will roll out in a public beta this summer, and will be available to all Apple Watch owners for free this fall. Apple says all models will support the new OS however not all features will be available on all models.
