At WWDC last week, Apple announced the new watchOS 4 software for Apple Watch. While it didn’t have any major updates, they did make better improvements from its previous successor. Since it’s release two years ago, watchOS has been steadily getting better and better with every iteration.
Even though it won’t be released until this fall, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn about its features now so here are four new features in watchOS 4.
1. Home Screen and Dock Layout
Do you hate the honeycomb view on the home screen? With watchOS 4, you will be able to change it to a grid view. Apps in your dock will now be stacked instead of having to swipe through it horizontally.
I use the dock on a daily basis to access my most used apps and hate how I have to swipe through the apps one by one. Users will also be able to sort the apps by most recently opened. The grid view will be much welcomed and easier to navigate, considering that quick glances are what watches are typically most used for.
2. Enchanted Workout App
Since the beginning, Apple has wanted Apple Watch to be a fitness device though it didn’t take off as they wanted to but people are starting to come around. Apple updated the interface by streaming the icons and quick starts to make it easier for you to start workouts.
You can also switch workout types by adding it to the current one without having to end one and starting a new workout—even if they are different activity types, such as going from running to swimming.
3. New Watch Faces
One of the new watch faces available is one that is “powered by Siri.” What it does is learns your routines and displays information that is relevant to you on that particular day/ time like traffic conditions on your commute to work, calendar appointments, reminders, and third party app notifications.
Whenever you raise your wrist or turn the watch face on, it will update with the most relevant data. Apple also included Toy Story animated watch faces that feature Woody, Jesse, and Buzz, similar to the Disney characters of the past.
4. Personalized Activity Notifications
I’ve been obsessed with closing my Activity Rings the last two months and have been achieving my goals every single day.
watchOS 4 will now update you throughout the day to let you know where you are with your goals and if you are close to matching your personal best so you can workout just a little bit harder to beat it. It even gives you more congratulatory messages (full of fireworks and exclamation points) when you accomplish these goals.