watchOS 7: Everything You Need To Know
Apple took time at today’s virtual WWDC 2020 conference to introduce new operating system updates to millions of developers and viewers at homes. The updates referred to the new iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS as well as a lot of other small but equally significant announcements. Here, we will guide you through all of the most important highlights announced about the new watchOS 7, including the new sleep and dance tracking, as well as which devices will be compatible for the new update.
watchOS 7 features
The new watchOS 7 brings many new exciting announcements, from new activity-tracking to new watch faces, and in the following list we will cover all of the most important ones you can expect.
- watchOS 7 update adds a sleep tracking feature that allows you to follow how much, when, and how well do you sleep each night. You can also create a bedtime routine using the Wind Down feature by combining soothing sounds or your favourite meditation app.
- New Automatic Handwashing Detection feature relies on motion sensors and a microphone in order to detect when you are washing your hands and automatically start a 20-seconds countdown. You will be able to see the frequency and duration in the Health app.
- Thanks to the new OS update, Watch users will be able to configure the watch face according to any activity, with numerous customizable and personalized faces. The new faces include Chronograph Pro with a tachymeter and Photos face which offers different color filters.
- The Workout app and Activity app both got a significant update with the new watchOS 7. With the update, you will be able to follow your heart rate and other metrics in four new activities: Core Training, Dance (Bollywood, cardio dance, hip-hop, Latin), Functional Strength Training, and Cooldown. The Activity app is now called Fitness and it combines the most important metrics in one place, including daily activity, workouts, awards and trends all in one place.
- Since watchOS 6, Apple put a focus on hearing health with its Noise app. Now, with watchOS 7, users will get further hearing health benefits as they will be able to analyze the volume at which they listen to the media using an iPhone, iPod or Apple Watch.
- Siri can now be used to translate different languages straight from your wrist.
- Further improvement of Privacy controls, Camera Remote, Sleep, and introduction of Shortcuts.
Apple today previewed watchOS 7, delivering enhanced customization tools and powerful new health and fitness features to the world’s most advanced smartwatch.
watchOS 7 compatible devices
Even though the new watchOS 7 update brings many new features and will be present in any upcoming Apple Watch devices, not all older devices will get to enjoy this update. Luckily, only 3 of the oldest devices are not compatible, meaning if you have any of the following models, you can expect the update later this year:
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
Similar to the case with iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur, developers will gain access to the beta version starting today. At the same time, for the first time ever, there will be a public beta released in July. The update will be free as always, and is expected to be available on previously mentioned compatible devices later this year.
