14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier today, June 13, 2016, Apple unveiled the future of the iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS operating systems, introducing the next major releases of each one of them.
The unveiling of iOS 10, macOS Sierra, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10 took place this morning as part of the opening keynote at Apple's annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) event, which always brings together the entire community of application developers.
We recommend taking a look at our live blog story if you missed the WWDC 2016 keynote address, as well as reading our previous coverage of the new features implemented in macOS Sierra and iOS 10. However, in this article, we'll try to tell you everything we've learned about watchOS 3 for Apple Watch devices.
Introducing the Breathe app, new fitness and health features
First of all, watchOS 3 makes it easier for Apple Watch users to perform common tasks, such as replying to a message, skipping a song, or starting a workout session, thanks to a new Dock feature that can be accessed by pressing the physical button on the side. The Dock will also allow Apple Watch users to launch their favorite apps.
The Control Center has been improved as well in watchOS 3, and there are now many new fitness and health features, in particular, the introduction of the Breathe app, which promises to help Apple Watch owners relieve stress by doing short deep breathing sessions from time to time.
"Apple Watch is the ultimate companion for a healthy life and with watchOS 3, there’s now even more to love," said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer. "Favorite apps launch instantly and are simple to access, and the breakthrough new fitness and health features like the Breathe app make it feel like a whole new watch."
Social networking is everything these days, so watchOS 3 introduces a new way for Apple Watch users to share and compare their daily fitness activities with friends, family or even their personal trainer, with which they can compete. The feature is called Activity Sharing, and it has been integrated into the Messages app.
Also new in watchOS 3 is the ability to access emergency services much faster, reply to messages in new expressive ways using handwriting, stickers, invisible ink, and full-screen effects, as well as to use the new watch faces Apple has prepared for this major update coming this fall. A first Beta build of watchOS 3 is now available for download for registered developers, and public betas are coming in July.
