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Apple's Next iPadOS Could Make Your Tablet More Like a Laptop, Report Says
Apple's Next iPadOS Could Make Your Tablet More Like a Laptop, Report Says
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
iPadOS, the software that runs on Apple tablets, will reportedly get a significant overhaul to make iPads more capable when it comes to serious business.
Why it matters
iPads have been powerful enough for most office tasks for years, but their software has somewhat hindered their versatility.
What's next
We should find out more on Monday at the company's software conference, WWDC.
Apple reportedly has some big updates in store for the iPad. At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference next week, Apple plans to announce significant changes to its iPad software, Bloomberg reports, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
The iPad's next software update, likely to be called iPadOS 16, will reportedly make it function more like a laptop than a phone. The iPad will also get a redesigned interface that makes it easier to switch between tasks and see which apps are open, according to Bloomberg.
iPad users will also reportedly be able to resize app windows and handle multiple apps at once. Currently iPads can run apps in full-screen mode -- like on iPhones -- or run two apps side-by-side. A scaled-down version of a third app can be slid in from the side, too.
Apple is also expected to announce the iPhone's next software update, likely iOS 16, at WWDC. The changes expected for the iPhone operating system include the addition of smaller apps, called widgets, to the phone's lock screen. Apple might also announce an always-on display for the iPhone 14.
While the software updates are expected to be announced next week, these updates aren't typically available to the public until the fall.
Apple's mostly online WWDC begins June 6 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST).
Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Things that are not as they appear things are not as they appear things that are not as they seem things that are not as they appear things which are seen were not made things that should have never been invented things that are not well known about things that have not been discovered 6 things you didn t know would happen things that never happened
6 Things That Didn't Make an Appearance at the Apple Event
6 Things That Didn't Make an Appearance at the Apple Event
Apple introduced an array of new devices at its "Peek Performance" event on Tuesday: a 2022 5G iPad Air with an M1 processor, an upgraded iPhone SE with 5G (and the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13) and the desktop-and-monitor pairing of the Mac Studio and Mac Studio Display. The M1 Ultra, a new processor even more powerful than the M1 Max, also took the stage as a chip option available for the Mac Studio.
While the newly announced products aligned with a lot of the speculation preceding the event (here's what the 2022 iPhone SE rumors did and didn't get right), not every rumored device ended up making an appearance. Here are all the Apple products that didn't get launched during Tuesday's event -- and that we're still hoping to see in 2022.
Upgraded Mac Pro
The Mac Pro, a desktop tower targeted at professionals, is due for an upgrade. It's the only remaining Mac that hasn't yet made the leap from an Intel processor to one of Apple's own chips (Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac Tuesday instead). And we're right at Apple's self-imposed two-year deadline to stop using third-party processors, so it's more than likely we'll see a new Mac Pro, maybe with a brand-new M1 Ultra chip. It's possible this desktop will show up at Apple's next event. Check out our full roundup of Mac Pro rumors.
Faster Mac Mini
The 2020 Mac Mini with Apple's M1 processor could see an update powered by the M1 Pro, M1 Max or even the newly announced M1 Ultra chip. Reliable tech analyst Mark Gurman predicted in February that a new Mac Mini would be one of the first Macs that Apple introduced this year. While the Mac Studio technically proved him wrong at Apple's Tuesday event, Gurman did say more Macs would follow in May or June. A 2022 Mac Mini could be one of them.
iPad Pro and entry-level iPad
The rumor mill speculated that the iPad Pro and entry-level iPad would get upgrades at Apple's March event, but Apple instead introduced the 2022 iPad Air. Considering Apple's typical product release timelines, the next possible arrival times for the iPad and iPad Pro are either in June or sometime in the fall. Speculation says a 2022 iPad Pro could include MagSafe and a battery upgrade. Here are the most up-to-date rumors about the next iPad Pro.
New MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
No MacBooks showed up at the Apple event, but new versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are still on the radar for this year. Rumors suggest that both the new Air and new Pro could come with a new M2 chip. Or maybe it'll be the M1 Ultra announced on Tuesday.
Other Apple products we could see in 2022
We're also expecting the iPhone 14 in the fall. Much less likely for this year is a foldable iPhone, which Apple has reportedly pushed back to 2025. Some new accessories could be on the horizon: AirPods Pro 2, an Apple Watch 8 with new health features or even the long-awaited Apple VR/AR headset. A couple of home entertainment devices are reportedly in the works as well. On the software front, look out for iOS 16 and MacOS 13, both of which could get a preview at the next Apple event. Speaking of which…
When is the next Apple event?
Now that Apple's spring event is over, we probably won't see another until June. That's Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference. WWDC is a goldmine of Apple announcements, and we'll be keeping our eyes out for any confirmation of the dates for WWDC 2022. In the meantime, here's everything we learned at WWDC 2021.
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Despite hopes of Apple unveiling an updated 27-inch iMac, the company instead discontinued the 27-inch version of the desktop altogether. That change comes amid a day full of news out of Tuesday's Apple event, including new iPhone models and new, smaller desktop devices, which it seems are intended to replace the 27-inch iMac.
The 27-inch iMac is one of the last Macs that still run on Intel rather than Apple's own chips. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on why it discontinued the desktop.
Apple's most recent 27-inch iMac launched in 2020, and was priced at $1,799, $1,999 and $2,299. It added higher-end CPU and GPU choices over the previous iteration, also expanding RAM and storage and adding nano-texture screen coating.
You can check out CNET's live blog to see how Tuesday's Apple event unfolded, or go here for everything Apple announced.
Apple's Mostly Virtual WWDC 2022 Keynote Is Set for June 6
Apple's Mostly Virtual WWDC 2022 Keynote Is Set for June 6
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
Apple's announced plans to hold a public keynote presentation for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 6, at 10 a.m. PT.
Why it matters
Apple typically uses its WWDC presentation to announce major software updates coming later in the year and sometimes to tease new hardware efforts as well.
What's next
CNET will be covering WWDC live, with analysis and perspective you can only get here.
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, was already set to begin on Monday, June 6. Now the company's confirmed it plans to kick off the event with a keynote address at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
Similar to WWDC over the past two years, Apple plans to hold its annual developer confab online and "free for all developers to attend." The event will run from June 6 through June 10.
This year, Apple's added plans for an in-person watch party for the keynote address at its Apple Park campus. Apple said it would choose a small group of developers to attend, and otherwise broadcast the event online.
Read more:What We Expect in iOS 16
Apple traditionally uses its WWDC keynote address to announce new features and major changes to its software in free updates typically made available the following fall. This year, those software updates are expected to include iOS 16, as well as updates to iPadOS, MacOS for the company's computers and likely WatchOS for the Apple Watch as well.
Apple's also increasingly rumored to be preparing new software supposedly called rOS, or "RealityOS," according to recent reporting by Bloomberg. The new software would help to power the company's eventual augmented reality and virtual reality headsets, which have reportedly been in development for years. In 2018, CNET reported on specifications of the device, such as dual-8K displays, which since has been supported by reporting from other outlets as well. Apple hasn't commented on the device's existence, but it's expected to be shown off at some point in the next year.
Aside from new hardware like the headset, Apple's also expected to announce the last in a series of redesigns it's performed on Mac computers over the past couple years. Among the changes, Apple has switched out the computer's microprocessing brains from those it relied on from Intel for more than a decade to new M-series chips designed by the teams creating chips powering the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Apple has since remade its desktop computers, such as the Mac Mini desktop and iMac all-in-one, as well as its laptops, the MacBook and MacBook Pro, with positive response to each of the releases so far. It's also released a new desktop computer, called the Mac Studio, designed for video and audio editors.
The next major update, Apple has said, will likely include the Mac Pro, its highest-performance computer, which is designed with software programmers, digital artists and computer researchers in mind. Whether it'll be shown off at WWDC is yet to be seen. But regardless, the company's software updates will offer a hint of what Apple's planning for the coming year.
Apple WWDC 2022 Keynote Live Blog: iOS 16, WatchOS 9, MacOS Ventura, M2, Gaming and More
Apple WWDC 2022 Keynote Live Blog: iOS 16, WatchOS 9, MacOS Ventura, M2, Gaming and More
Apple says its new Stage Manager will make multitasking a lot easier on the iPad, and it'll work with external displays.
With Stage Manager, you can resize windows, and the dock is visible.
You can see recently used apps on the screen, and you can format the layout however you want -- even with overlapping windows. (I've been hoping for this one!)
"Like you saw earlier, I can resize windows and rearrange everything just the way I want," Federighi says.
With an external display, the iPad looks very MacOS-y. You can have up to eight apps running simultaneously, with four apps running on each screen. You can drag and drop across displays as well.
"It's an entirely new way to multitask," Federighi says, highlighting the "full external display support."
New M2 MacBook Pros to Enter Production Soon, Analyst Predicts
New M2 MacBook Pros to Enter Production Soon, Analyst Predicts
Apple will include its new M2 processor in upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch models of the MacBook Pro, which will hit production in the coming weeks, Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst known for his reliable predictions, said Monday.
Apple revealed the M2 chip at WWDC in June, saying the new chip would be an upgrade from the M1, which marked a new era for the company as it transitioned away from Intel processors for its computers. So far, Apple has released its 13-inch MacBook and MacBook Air using the newest chip, but it didn't provide details on when its larger MacBook Pros with the M2 processor would start rolling out.
Kuo tweeted that production will happen in the fourth quarter of 2022. But it's not clear if he's referring to Apple's fiscal fourth quarter that ends in September -- or to chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's fourth quarter that ends in December. In July, a Bloomberg newsletter predicted that the new MacBooks would launch in fall 2022 or spring 2023, as reported by 9to5Mac.
The M2 processor is 18% faster than the M1 while not affecting battery life. The M2 also features a memory boost of 24GB, up from 16GB.
Apple's next event is set for Sept. 7 , which may be when the company shows off the larger MacBook Pros and the iPhone 14.
Apple didn't respond to a request for comment.
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Apple has set the date for its latest iPhone's debut. The new device, which is expected to be called the iPhone 14 and include an always-on display, will be unveiled on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). Rumors suggest the new iPhone lineup will nix the Mini in favor of a new Max model, joining the rumored iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and potentially increase the price by about $100 over last year's. Apple may also have plans to excise the iPhone 14's notch in favor of a hole-and-pill-shaped front camera, at least for the Pro models.
In addition to the iPhone 14, Apple's may also use the event to unveil the Apple Watch Series 8, which will reportedly look similar to last year's model but have more health features such as a fever sensor, as well as improved durability.
The tech giant has invited press to its Apple Park headquarters in California for the event, though it'll also offer a livestream on Apple.com and other streaming services. As is typical, Apple didn't say much in its invitation about its upcoming iPhone event. The invitation shows an Apple logo seemingly set in a night sky, suggesting potential camera improvements or last year's rumored satellite emergency calling. The image looks like something we might see from the James Webb Space Telescope, whose stunning photos have already begun changing how we see the cosmos since first being released earlier this summer. In its announcement, Apple included the teaser words "Far out."
Read more: How to Watch the iPhone 14, Apple Watch Series 8 Launch
The new features for both the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch 8 may help Apple stand out from Samsung and other device makers during what is expected to be heightened competition this year. People have been cutting back on tech purchases, leading to surprisingly low sales reports from chipmaker Intel, as well as sudden ad business shortfalls for Google parent Alphabet and Facebook parent Meta. And they're not alone.
Our collective confidence in the economy has fallen through the floor, thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic mixed with continual inflation and a looming recession. One survey from the University of Michigan found that consumer sentiment is at its lowest point in at least 70 years.
That means Apple will have to fight even harder to win over new iPhone owners. Samsung, for its part, made Apple's job a little easier by announcing its flagship Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 at their standard prices of $1,800 and $1,000, respectively, earlier this month. It also raised the prices of its Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro by $30 apiece.
Apple so far isn't acting worried. Over the past couple of years, Apple's notched its biggest revenue and profits each holiday shopping season, largely on the popularity of 2021's iPhone 13 and 2020's iPhone 12. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously cited the advanced cameras, long battery life and well-regarded software as reasons people continue choosing iPhones. But he also said that 5G, the super-fast wireless technology Apple began using two years ago, is likely to push even more people to upgrade.
"5G has been an accelerant," he said when speaking to investors on a conference call last month. He added that although the technology is spreading through some places, like China, the EU and US, other parts of the world haven't begun using it as much. And so as 5G expands, he said, "I think there's reason to be optimistic."
While the iPhone will be a key product we see at Apple's event this year, and likely what most people focus their attention on, the company's expected to have other devices to show off. Those include new Mac computers with upgraded chips and new iPads.
Make way for Matter, the smart home's would-be skeleton key
Make way for Matter, the smart home's would-be skeleton key
At Wednesday's Alexa Live 2021 event, Amazon confirmed that its Echo lineup of speakers and smart displays will soon support Matter, a new, universal smart home standard. The product of a multiyear joint effort with other industry titans, including Apple, Google and Samsung, Matter aims to help your smart home devices play a little nicer together -- and soon, the majority of Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Studio and Echo Show devices already in people's homes will sync up with the standard via a software update.
The news follows similar curtain-lifts from Google and Apple, each of which announced respective support for Matter in Android and in iOS earlier this year. Together with buy-in from Amazon, it all seems to set the stage for Matter to make a splashy debut in the coming months. It likely won't be long before you start seeing the Matter logo featured prominently on the product packaging for a wide variety of the gadgets that want a place in your home.
The Matter logo signifies smart-home devices that are certified to get along well with each other and with the Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri and Google Assistant voice control systems.
Connectivity Standards Alliance; illustration by Stephen Shankland/CNET
Matter's potential popularity stems from the appeal of its pitch: a single, IP-based, open-source standard that works over Wi-Fi, supports all major control platforms, and acts like a universal language that smart home devices can use to connect with and understand each other. Think USB, but wireless. After all, the Internet of Things ought to be like the internet -- platform-agnostic and 99% the same, regardless of which device or operating system you're using to access it.
That's the ideal, anyway. At the same WWDC presentation where Apple announced that Matter would make its way to iOS 15, the company also showcased newly opened third-party Siri access that lets you trigger and talk to Apple's AI assistant from devices like the voice-activated Ecobee thermostat. The catch is that you'll still need an Apple HomePod Mini (or the discontinued, full-size HomePod) on your Wi-Fi network to do localized speech processing and security authentication. Let that be a reminder as Matter draws near: The big tech companies might be willing to share the cockpit in your connected home, but they're each going to want a hand on the steering wheel, and that can make for a jerky ride.
Still, smoothing out bumps like those -- while keeping big tech in firm control of the category -- might be Matter's mass effect on the smart home. The three inward-pointing arrows that make up the perhaps soon-to-be ubiquitous Matter logo might as well represent Amazon, Apple and Google, each one focused in on a common center -- and each fixed in place at the center of the action. With Matter, you could move into a home or apartment with preinstalled smart gadgets and have a much easier time controlling them however you like: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, take your pick. And, if you're an Android user who lives with roommates or family members who prefer iOS, Matter might help your smart home harmonize a little better, too.
"It's not just another light bulb standard," said Amazon's Chris DeCenzo, a principal engineer for the smart home, as he outlined the company's goal of making Matter relevant by finding new and practical ways of putting it to use. One of the first areas of focus: smarter smart TVs.
"The industry is really a mess of different protocols," DeCenzo explained, before going on to describe how Matter might be able to help standardize TV voice controls or improve casting performance. There are a number of TV manufacturers already on board with Matter via the Connectivity Standards Alliance, DeCenzo notes.
That's not to say that you should expect the smart home experience to be vastly different than before. These companies are still fierce competitors seeking to outdo each other with new products and features. Their incentive is to differentiate, not to share. Matter won't let you access Apple TV's HomeKit camera controls and multiview interface on a Fire TV Stick or a Chromecast, for instance. And devices like Philips Hue bulbs that communicate using Zigbee, Z-Wave or some other low-powered alternative to Wi-Fi will still need a bridge connected to your network in order to put Matter to work, so don't expect that ugly mess of pucks and hubs on your router shelf to disappear, either.
Where Matter should make the biggest impact is with developers, no doubt exhausted after a decade spent jumping through hoops to keep their devices up to date with the ever-shifting demands of each of the platforms their customers care about. (Imagine a busy restaurant with cooks who all speak different languages, while the waitstaff has to work to understand everyone and get food to the right customers.) With Matter, those device-makers will be able to develop around a single standard that brings all of the big names into play. That's a much lighter lift, and one that could free up time and resources that could be better spent developing better devices in the first place.
So, does Matter matter? The answer is undoubtedly "yes" -- even setting the smart home aside, it's a noteworthy thing when big tech circles the wagons and agrees to baseline standards involving security and data privacy. And while the smart home will never be truly seamless, Matter would seem to be a much better framework for the current landscape, one that's dotted with devices from whatever manufacturer had the best Black Friday sale, and controlled by whichever big tech company you're most comfortable (or least uncomfortable) sharing your home with. Matter won't change that smart home status quo, but it could reinforce it in ways that help the category accelerate. You might say it's just a matter of time.
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Apple has axed its original HomePod and will turn its attention to the smaller version of its smart home assistant, the HomePod Mini, the company said Friday.
"We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers," Apple said in a statement. "We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini."
Read more: Apple HomePod Mini features you should know about: Every tip and trick we've found
Apple will continue providing existing HomePods with software updates and support through Apple Care, the company said.
The HomePod Mini was launched in November last year, costing $99 in comparison with the $300 HomePod original. When it was released in 2018, CNET reviewer Megan Wollerton praised its "stellar" sound but said it didn't offer as many features as competing speakers powered by Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant. "If you and everyone else you live with has an Apple device and you're sold on having an Apple smart home, the HomePod is worth a close look," she wrote at the time.
The HomePod Mini earned similarly strong praise from CNET reviewer Molly Price for its sound when it was released in 2020, with a note that the lower price made it much more attractive. "The HomePod Mini is as on-par as Apple wants to make it with Google and Amazon's offerings, and I'd recommend it to anyone invested in the Apple universe," she wrote.
The news about the original HomePod's demise was reported earlier Friday by TechCrunch.
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
This week brought us Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, when the maker of Macs and iPhones shares details of coming changes to the software that runs those and other devices. WWDC is on the geeky side, but it's also pretty clear what's in store for everyone who uses Apple products.
We found out, for instance, about iOS 16, coming to iPhones later this year with features like an updated lock screen heavy on customization; Apple Pay Later, which splits the cost of a purchase across four payments; and Safety Check, designed to help people at risk of abuse. We got a peek at MacOS Ventura, along with a redesigned MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro, both of which will pack the new M2 chip. And we learned about WatchOS 9 and iPadOS 16, too.
Our stories about WWDC came to you among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that also appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don't want to miss.
Commentary: Apple's changes to the iPhone lock screen are a bigger deal than you think.
James Martin/CNET
Commentary: Moderating social media is hard. Moderating the metaverse will be harder.
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As tech's reach grows, companies are taking on a new, very personal, set of issues.
Screenshot/CNET
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OsakaWayne Studios
The new MCU series about a Pakistani Muslim-American superhero shows just how far Hollywood has come.
Disney Plus
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JAXA/Akihiro Ikeshita
Commentary: WatchOS 9's new running features could pair nicely with the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Google, Apple, and Microsoft expect passkeys can completely replace passwords. Apple support arrives in iOS 16 and MacOS Ventura.
Apple
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This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
Apple's WatchOS 9 update will bring new athletic performance metrics to the Apple Watch, among other key improvements to health and fitness tracking.
Why it matters
The update could be setting the stage for the rumored rugged Apple Watch expected to debut this year.
What's next
Apple will launch WatchOS 9 in the fall, possibly alongside three new Apple Watch models.
If WatchOS 9 serves as any indication, the Apple Watch's future is all about health and fitness. That message was front and center in June when Apple unveiled the new software, which is now available in beta ahead of its fall launch.
The update will bring more sports-performance tracking metrics (especially for runners), deeper sleep monitoring and tools for logging medication. It's impossible to know what to expect until Apple announces its next smartwatch (or smartwatches). But WatchOS 9's focus on athletic training seemingly sets the stage for the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition, which we might see later this year.
Read more: This Stylish, Luxury Hybrid Watch (Almost) Made Me Ditch My Apple Watch
It also suggests Apple wants its smartwatch to appeal to pro athletes, casual exercise enthusiasts and those who need to monitor cardiac health all at the same time. The next crop of Apple Watches rumored for the fall will likely come with new hardware to better support that vision -- hopefully with better battery life, too.
WatchOS 9's workout features would be a great for an Explorer Edition Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 7
Lexy Savvides/CNET
Apple sprinkled a bunch of new workout tools and metrics throughout WatchOS 9. These include new running data points like stride length and ground contact time, the ability to track heart rate zones, interval training, a multisport workout type for triathlons and kickboard detection for swimmers. The announcement also comes after Apple made improvements to the Apple Watch's cycling detection last year.
Only Apple knows what's in store for the future. But it feels like no coincidence that this update is coming as Apple is expected to launch a rugged Apple Watch designed for extreme sports this fall. Bloomberg reports an Apple Watch with extra impact resistance similar to Casio's G-Shock watches could be in the works. The watch is sometimes referred to as the Explorer Edition internally and may have a rubberized casing for additional durability, the report said. The device would reportedly be marketed as an alternative option for athletes and hikers alongside the standard Series 8 and next-generation Apple Watch SE.
Read more: iOS 16's Lock Screen Upgrades Make the iPhone More Like a Smartwatch
The Apple Watch already has plenty to offer fitness buffs, with many workout choices, activity goals and reminders, heart rate notifications and metrics like VO2 max and elevation. But until WatchOS 9 arrives, the Apple Watch will lack running-specific features that athletes might find useful. Garmin's running watches, for example, include tools like training programs for specific types of races, pace guidance and running metrics like cadence and stride length, among other features that vary by the model.
The Apple Watch is already the world's most popular smartwatch with 36.1% of global shipments in the first quarter of 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. With the new measurements geared toward runners coming in WatchOS 9, Apple could further solidify its grip on the market by appealing to the more niche competitive sports audience.
Even with the new features in WatchOS 9, the Apple Watch still won't offer quite as much feedback for runners as some specialized watches. But the new software certainly brings the Apple Watch closer than ever before.
What else WatchOS 9 might tell us about the Apple Watch's future
The Apple Watch's new Sleep Stages feature in WatchOS 9
Screenshot/CNET
Apple's emphasis on fitness was at the heart of its WatchOS 9 announcement. But some of the software's other updates might also suggest Apple's future direction. For example, the company did more on sleep tracking by introducing Sleep Stages, a feature that analyzes the amount of time spent in various phases of slumber. Apple is playing catch-up in this regard; rival fitness trackers from Fitbit, Oura and Samsung have supported this feature for years.
Apple's expansion in sleep tracking indicates it expects Apple Watches to be worn overnight more frequently. That makes me believe Apple could be planning some type of improvement to the Apple Watch's battery life, although there's no way to know for sure until the company reveals its next watch.
Apple says its smartwatch can last for 18 hours on a single charge, and anecdotally I typically get about one to two days out of it before it needs a power boost. The Apple Watch's battery life hasn't changed meaningfully in years, but Apple has worked around this by implementing faster charging speeds with the Series 6 and 7.
Apple will likely continue down this path rather than dramatically improving the watch's battery life. But there's also a chance Apple could introduce a new low-power mode with more functionality than the watch's current power reserve feature, says Bloomberg. It was supposed to launch with WatchOS 9, according to the report, although Apple didn't mention a new low-power option during Monday's event.
Considering that battery life has been one of the Apple Watch's persistent criticisms -- and not to mention Bloomberg's reliable track record -- I wouldn't be surprised to see this capability arrive in the future. And remember: Apple introduced new WatchOS 8 features for cyclists alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 during its fall product event in 2021. So there's a chance Apple could have more software features to announce later this year.
WatchOS 9 also provides another signal that Apple is expanding its efforts in general health and wellness. A new feature called AFib History will allow those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to access more information about their condition, such as an estimate of how often their heart rhythm is showing signs of A-fib. Another highlight in WatchOS 9 is the ability to track prescriptions and receive medication reminders.
These updates indicate Apple sees its watch as a tool for tracking bodily changes over time that can be shared with physicians. And if reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal prove accurate, Apple will take that idea a step further by adding a temperature sensor to the Series 8.
Many of the Apple Watch's major turning points have historically been tied to new hardware releases. The Series 3, for example, was the first model to support cellular connectivity, making the Apple Watch feel like a stand-alone product rather than an iPhone companion. The Series 4 brought ECG monitoring and fall detection, broadening the Apple Watch's role as a health device.
WatchOS 9 isn't as big of a leap forward as those launches. But it will bring functionality that could be crucial in Apple's mission to make the Apple Watch the ultimate health and fitness device. And that's very telling of Apple's immediate and long term plans for the Apple Watch.
9 great reads from cnet this week ios 16 metaverse mstation 9 great reads from cnet this week ios 16 metaverse stock 9 great reads from cnet this week ios 16 metaverse crypto 9 great reads from cnet this week ios 16 ipad 9 great reads from cnet this week iosgods 9 great reads from great ship 9 great lakes
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iOS 16, Metaverse, Ms. Marvel and More
This week brought us Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, when the maker of Macs and iPhones shares details of coming changes to the software that runs those and other devices. WWDC is on the geeky side, but it's also pretty clear what's in store for everyone who uses Apple products.
We found out, for instance, about iOS 16, coming to iPhones later this year with features like an updated lock screen heavy on customization; Apple Pay Later, which splits the cost of a purchase across four payments; and Safety Check, designed to help people at risk of abuse. We got a peek at MacOS Ventura, along with a redesigned MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro, both of which will pack the new M2 chip. And we learned about WatchOS 9 and iPadOS 16, too.
Our stories about WWDC came to you among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that also appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don't want to miss.
Commentary: Apple's changes to the iPhone lock screen are a bigger deal than you think.
James Martin/CNET
Commentary: Moderating social media is hard. Moderating the metaverse will be harder.
Getty/Xinhua News Agency
As tech's reach grows, companies are taking on a new, very personal, set of issues.
Screenshot/CNET
Here's why people freeze in place and have waking nightmares.
OsakaWayne Studios
The new MCU series about a Pakistani Muslim-American superhero shows just how far Hollywood has come.
Disney Plus
I don't recommend it.
Ben White
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Commentary: WatchOS 9's new running features could pair nicely with the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition.
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Apple
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This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.
What's happening
Apple's WatchOS 9 update will bring new athletic performance metrics to the Apple Watch, among other key improvements to health and fitness tracking.
Why it matters
The update could be setting the stage for the rumored rugged Apple Watch expected to debut this year.
What's next
Apple will launch WatchOS 9 in the fall, possibly alongside three new Apple Watch models.
If WatchOS 9 serves as any indication, the Apple Watch's future is all about health and fitness. That message was front and center in June when Apple unveiled the new software, which is now available in beta ahead of its fall launch.
The update will bring more sports-performance tracking metrics (especially for runners), deeper sleep monitoring and tools for logging medication. It's impossible to know what to expect until Apple announces its next smartwatch (or smartwatches). But WatchOS 9's focus on athletic training seemingly sets the stage for the rumored Apple Watch Explorer Edition, which we might see later this year.
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It also suggests Apple wants its smartwatch to appeal to pro athletes, casual exercise enthusiasts and those who need to monitor cardiac health all at the same time. The next crop of Apple Watches rumored for the fall will likely come with new hardware to better support that vision -- hopefully with better battery life, too.
WatchOS 9's workout features would be a great for an Explorer Edition Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 7
Lexy Savvides/CNET
Apple sprinkled a bunch of new workout tools and metrics throughout WatchOS 9. These include new running data points like stride length and ground contact time, the ability to track heart rate zones, interval training, a multisport workout type for triathlons and kickboard detection for swimmers. The announcement also comes after Apple made improvements to the Apple Watch's cycling detection last year.
Only Apple knows what's in store for the future. But it feels like no coincidence that this update is coming as Apple is expected to launch a rugged Apple Watch designed for extreme sports this fall. Bloomberg reports an Apple Watch with extra impact resistance similar to Casio's G-Shock watches could be in the works. The watch is sometimes referred to as the Explorer Edition internally and may have a rubberized casing for additional durability, the report said. The device would reportedly be marketed as an alternative option for athletes and hikers alongside the standard Series 8 and next-generation Apple Watch SE.
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The Apple Watch already has plenty to offer fitness buffs, with many workout choices, activity goals and reminders, heart rate notifications and metrics like VO2 max and elevation. But until WatchOS 9 arrives, the Apple Watch will lack running-specific features that athletes might find useful. Garmin's running watches, for example, include tools like training programs for specific types of races, pace guidance and running metrics like cadence and stride length, among other features that vary by the model.
The Apple Watch is already the world's most popular smartwatch with 36.1% of global shipments in the first quarter of 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. With the new measurements geared toward runners coming in WatchOS 9, Apple could further solidify its grip on the market by appealing to the more niche competitive sports audience.
Even with the new features in WatchOS 9, the Apple Watch still won't offer quite as much feedback for runners as some specialized watches. But the new software certainly brings the Apple Watch closer than ever before.
What else WatchOS 9 might tell us about the Apple Watch's future
The Apple Watch's new Sleep Stages feature in WatchOS 9
Screenshot/CNET
Apple's emphasis on fitness was at the heart of its WatchOS 9 announcement. But some of the software's other updates might also suggest Apple's future direction. For example, the company did more on sleep tracking by introducing Sleep Stages, a feature that analyzes the amount of time spent in various phases of slumber. Apple is playing catch-up in this regard; rival fitness trackers from Fitbit, Oura and Samsung have supported this feature for years.
Apple's expansion in sleep tracking indicates it expects Apple Watches to be worn overnight more frequently. That makes me believe Apple could be planning some type of improvement to the Apple Watch's battery life, although there's no way to know for sure until the company reveals its next watch.
Apple says its smartwatch can last for 18 hours on a single charge, and anecdotally I typically get about one to two days out of it before it needs a power boost. The Apple Watch's battery life hasn't changed meaningfully in years, but Apple has worked around this by implementing faster charging speeds with the Series 6 and 7.
Apple will likely continue down this path rather than dramatically improving the watch's battery life. But there's also a chance Apple could introduce a new low-power mode with more functionality than the watch's current power reserve feature, says Bloomberg. It was supposed to launch with WatchOS 9, according to the report, although Apple didn't mention a new low-power option during Monday's event.
Considering that battery life has been one of the Apple Watch's persistent criticisms -- and not to mention Bloomberg's reliable track record -- I wouldn't be surprised to see this capability arrive in the future. And remember: Apple introduced new WatchOS 8 features for cyclists alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 during its fall product event in 2021. So there's a chance Apple could have more software features to announce later this year.
WatchOS 9 also provides another signal that Apple is expanding its efforts in general health and wellness. A new feature called AFib History will allow those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to access more information about their condition, such as an estimate of how often their heart rhythm is showing signs of A-fib. Another highlight in WatchOS 9 is the ability to track prescriptions and receive medication reminders.
These updates indicate Apple sees its watch as a tool for tracking bodily changes over time that can be shared with physicians. And if reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal prove accurate, Apple will take that idea a step further by adding a temperature sensor to the Series 8.
Many of the Apple Watch's major turning points have historically been tied to new hardware releases. The Series 3, for example, was the first model to support cellular connectivity, making the Apple Watch feel like a stand-alone product rather than an iPhone companion. The Series 4 brought ECG monitoring and fall detection, broadening the Apple Watch's role as a health device.
WatchOS 9 isn't as big of a leap forward as those launches. But it will bring functionality that could be crucial in Apple's mission to make the Apple Watch the ultimate health and fitness device. And that's very telling of Apple's immediate and long term plans for the Apple Watch.
