Apple Announces WatchOS 2, Bringing New Features and Native Apps to the Apple Watch

Apple has announced watchOS 2 which brings native apps to the Apple Watch.

Native apps are coming to Apple Watch with the new version of watchOS.




There are also numerous other improvements. Here's a look at what's new...

● You can pick an image from the Photos app on your watch and set it as your watch face. Or set a different image from any photo album you select to appear each time you raise your wrist.


● Another new watch face, called Time-Lapse, shows iconic locations around the world shot over 24 hours.


● watchOS 2 lets you see information from third-party apps on your watch face.



● When you turn the Digital Crown, Time Travel lets you see things like upcoming events and temperatures. You can go forward and back up to 72 hours.


● When Apple Watch is on its side and charging, it automatically goes into Nightstand mode.
The Digital Crown transforms to snooze and the side button turns off an alarm.


● You can have multiple screens for friends and even add new people right from your watch.


● You can use multiple colors to draw and send more colorful sketches.


● Reply to email directly from your wrist with smart replies, emoji, and dictation.


● Other fitness apps, like Strava, can contribute directly to your Activity rings on Apple Watch.


● You can use Siri to start and end workouts, like a bike ride or a 30-minute outdoor run.


● Share your Activity and Workout achievements via Facebook, Twitter, and Messages.


● All the new features of Apple Pay are also available on Apple Watch.
In addition to debit and credit cards, you can add everything from reward cards to private-label cards.


● You can use the Transit feature in Maps to see public transportation routes and directions right on your wrist.


● You can also use Siri to show Glances for apps, like the Instagram glance.


● Developers will now have greater access to hardware features with WatchKit. These include the microphone and speaker, video, accelerometer, Taptic Engine, and Digital Crown.


● With HomeKit, you can directly control lights and other things in your home from Apple Watch apps.


The developer preview for watchOS 2 is available today. watchOS 2 will be available as a free update this fall, and will work on every Apple Watch.

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