Since launch, the Apple Watch has got a lot better thanks to the operating system, watchOS, dramatically improving. Currently on version 2.2.1, Apple's next variation, watchOS 3, introduces even more features and makes the Watch a lot more powerful. It looks as though it should iron out some of the remaining niggles with the product, too. Here are all of the top features that you can look forward to. Apple hasn't announced an exact release date for the new software yet, stating that it will be available in the autumn.
Faster apps that update in the background via the Dock
One of the issues with the Watch is that apps can be slow to load and, once loaded, slow to update. With watchOS 3 that should be a thing of the past. You can now put commonly-used apps into the Dock. As well as making it easy to switch between them by tapping the Side button, these apps refresh in the background and launch faster. In the live demo, Apple showed One Football. Running on a Watch with watchOS 2 the app took a while to launch and then it had to refresh the live football scores; on watchOS 3, the app launched and was up-to-date immediately.
A better way to reply to messages
If you get a message on your Watch, you can either use the canned responses or you can use your voice and dictate a message. I found the canned responses to be a little impersonal and, while they can be customised, it's hard to write messages that suit all situations. Using voice gets around that, but there are some places where speaking into your Watch doesn't feel right.
The answer in watchOS 3 Scribble. This gives you a small touchpad to scribble letters on, so you can write your own reply without having to pull your phone out. From the demo, the Watch seemed to pick up the letters being drawn quickly, although I'll have to wait until I get it to give it a proper test. And, rather than having to hit Reply, messages show you shortcut icons at the bottom of the screen for the three reply methods.
Control Centre
Control Centre on iOS is the swipe-up menu that gives you access to important shortcuts, such as airplane mode and the Wi-Fi toggle. With watchOS 3 you get the same-style Control Centre, accessed with a swipe-up from the bottom of the screen, making the Watch closer in look and feel to the iPhone.
Emergency calling
If you find yourself needing help and can't get to your phone, the Watch can now be used to dial the emergency services. Just press and hold the side button and you'll see a timer countdown before calling for help: if you're in range of your phone it will use the cellular connection, although it can also make calls via Wi-Fi. I'm not sure how this will work in the UK yet, as there are regulations about which devices can make emergency calls.
New Watch Faces
Apple still hasn't announced third-party watch faces, but it is expanding the range that it offers. First up, there's a Minnie Mouse to go with Mickey: Minnie's dress colour can even match the colour of your Watch's strap. An Activity watch face puts activity tracking front and centre, which could be handy if you mainly use your Watch for fitness tracking. The Numerals watch face just shows an analogue watch, but only shows the current hour, updating throughout the day.
Apple has also added more Complications to watch faces, so you can see more information. This is particularly helpful on some of the cleaner faces, which didn't let you show a lot of info.
Finally, you can now set a group of watch faces and then use and edge-to-edge swipe to move between them. It's handy for moving between modes, such as for when you're in work and out of work.
Wheelchair users
Apple has reworked the Apple Watch to put in a special wheelchair mode. Every hour, instead of getting the 'Time to stand message', you'll get the 'Time to roll' message. Apple has also added two workouts for wheelchair users, too.
Breathe app
This is the one app that I'm not that bothered about. It's designed to help you indulge in some deep and relaxing breathing during the day, to help deal with stress. I can't see myself using it, but if you like that kind of thing, it's there built-in.
