WatchOS 6: the new features heading to the Apple Watch

It’s a software bonanza is Cupertino on Monday. During the keynote of WWDC, Apple’s Tim Cook unveiled iPadOS — a new operating system for the iPad — and iOS 13, seto to debut on iPhones later this year.

But tweaks are also incoming for the company’s time-keeping wearable.

The Apple Watch is set to receive WatchOS 6, and with it, a slew of nifty feature improvements and debuts.

Native apps come to the Apple Watch

The biggest change is the introduction of a native App Store for the Watch.

“Users can easily install third-party apps, search for apps using Siri, dictation or Scribble and view app product pages designed for the watch screen right from the wrist,” Apple announced.

WatchOS 6 will allow you to log your menstrual cycle information and predict when your period is due

This brings the Apple Watch up to par with the likes of Google’s Wear OS, which allows users to install apps from their watches. However, it get’s better:

“Developers can build Apple Watch-only apps, created to work independently on Apple Watch without an iOS app,” Apple clarified.

Noise app, and Cycle Tracking debut

Very specific apps are also set to appear on the wearable.

The Noise app aims to teach wearers how noisy environments can cause harm.

“As the sound levels change, the app’s decibel meter moves in real time. The watch can send a notification if the decibel level reaches 90 decibels,” the company explains.

For women, the Watch OS 6 introduces “Cycle Tracking” allowing wearers to “log important information related to their menstrual cycles and see predicted timing for their next period and fertile window using the convenience of Apple Watch”.

The Noise app will act as a noise polution monitor and alarm for your wrist

“The daily log function enables the quick addition of information related to the menstrual cycle, including current period, flow, symptoms, results from ovulation prediction kits and other elements of fertility tracking,” Apple added.

And for those a little more obsessed with health tracking, the iOS Health app will debut a Trends tab allowing users to see their long-term fitness behaviour.

Other additions coming via Watch OS 6 include Voice Memos, direct audiobook listening from the Watch, a new Calculator which also adds a tip and bill splitting features, and dynamic watch faces.

When can I get it?

As with all Apple software announced at WWDC, a developer preview is currently available. Watch OS 6 should roll out to all Apple Watches from Q3 2019.

Feature image: Apple