Apple Watch users have wished for an on-device App Store for the longest time. It has only been possible to get apps for the Watch using an iPhone. The smartphone even had to be used for when you wanted to toggle Watch apps on or off. That all changes with watchOS 6 as the upcoming firmware update for the Apple Watch is going to finally add an App Store to the device.
The App Store will be directly available on the Apple Watch with the watchOS 6. This will enable users to install third-party apps using the device itself and search for apps using Siri, Scribble or dictation. They will also be able to view app product pages designed for the watch screen from the wrist. Developers will also be able to build Apple Watch-only apps which will be able to work independently on the watch without requiring an iOS companion app.
Several dynamic new watch faces are included in watchOS 6 as well in addition to customization options which offer improved personalization. It brings Apple’s Voice Memos app to the watch and also lets users listen to audiobooks purchased on Apple Books from the new Audiobooks app on the watch. The watch’s new Calculator app can help with tip calculations and splitting checks. Moreover, Siri search queries are capable of displaying webpage results in full.
The company has also improved health and fitness features with the latest update. The Apple Watch will provide more activity information in addition to new ways to monitor hearing health in noisy environments. Apple has added menstrual cycle tracking with watchOS 6 as well.
Apple is releasing the developer preview of watchOS 6 to developers later this week. The new features will be released as a free software update for the Apple Watch Series 1 or later paired with iPhone 6s or later running iOS 13 and up this fall.
Filed in . Read more about Apple Watch and Watchos. Source: apple