The way you use your Apple Watch is about to change thanks to a software update coming later this year.
As confirmed by Apple at its annual developer conference, WWDC, in California earlier this month, the company behind the iPhone has detailed several new changes that could have a dramatic effect on this popular wearable.
From this autumn, users who update to the latest software - called WatchOS 10 - will be able to switch between apps in a more fluid and logical way, something Apple says will make for a much-improved experience via scrolling with the Digital Crown on the side of the watch.
The move comes as recent reports suggest that the Apple Watch store has struggled to gain traction compared to the iPhone App Store with many users finding it difficult to not only discover apps for their watch but also use them.
Apple is clearly hoping the new change to the way the core operating system works will revolutionise apps on the Apple Watch and encourage more of us to download and use them on the go.
Watch apps, including Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps, Messages and World Clock will also utilise more of the Apple Watch display for more glanceable information.
The new change is just one of many new features that will come to the popular smartwatch later this year.
Apple Watch users will also benefit from new watch faces including Snoopy and Woodstock, improvements to Apple Fitness, and better support for cyclists, hiking, and even helping you work on your golf and tennis swing.
There’s also the introduction of a new Smart Stack which contains widgets that display information that adapts to the user’s context and can be revealed with a simple turn of the Digital Crown. For example, at the beginning of the day, Weather will show the forecast, or, when travelling, the Smart Stack will show boarding passes from Wallet.
Rumours currently suggest that it will be a quiet year in terms of new hardware from Apple on the watch front following the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra last year.
The critically acclaimed “pro” watch features a bigger screen, a dedicated action button, and a more rugged design to suit those looking for something more adventurous.
The new WatchOS software is expected to launch in September.
