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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.
§
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.
WatchOS 8 is here: Best new features on the Apple Watch
WatchOS 8 is here: Best new features on the Apple Watch
Your Apple Watch is getting a big new update with WatchOS 8, adding new workout options, messaging tools and some hints of what to expect ahead of the Apple Watch Series 7. The free download is available for all Apple Watch owners using the Series 3 or later and arrived alongside iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
To download the update, first make sure your iPhone is running iOS 15. As long as your watch has at least 50% battery, go to Settings and select Software Update. If less, leave the Apple Watch on its charger and wait for the update to download. Once you have the update, here are some of the best features to explore.
WatchOS 8 puts portrait photos on your wrist
The new Portraits watch face can use any portrait mode photo taken on the iPhone. First, open the Watch app on the iPhone and then navigate to the Face Gallery. Find the Portraits watch face and tap Add to find portrait photos you want to display on the watch.
Rather than displaying a static image, the watch uses segmentation data from the photo to separate the foreground from the background. This means the time appears just behind the head of your subject and if you raise your wrist or fidget with the Digital Crown, the subject pops in and out, too.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
I've found it works best with photos that have a lot of distance between the foreground and background, plus ample headroom above your subject so you can really see the effect. Some complications are also supported, so you can put elements like battery level or heart rate on the watch face as well.
Also new in the watch faces tab is a World Time option. You can see the time around the world across all 24 timezones straight from your wrist.
AssistiveTouch is a mind-blowing accessibility feature
Apple announced AssistiveTouch in May along with a range of accessibility features for the iPhone and iPad.
It lets people who have the use of only one arm control the Apple Watch by movement in the hand and wrist, like pinching or clenching actions. The watch detects these motions so you don't need to be able to touch the screen to interact with the watch.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
It's difficult to describe how intuitive this feels until you use it. Pinch your thumb and forefinger and the watch will move the focus to navigate through menu options. A double pinch moves back, while a clench is a tap action to select something on the screen. AssistiveTouch is also customizable, so you could set a double-clench action to answer a call or bring up the action menu. AssistiveTouch works with the Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE.
Better messaging tools
When you go to send a message, you'll now be able to use the scribble tool, the emoji selector or the dictation option all from the same screen. Plus, if you go to dictate a message but it makes an error in the transcription, you'll now be able to select the word and use the Digital Crown to make corrections. It's something I appreciate as my Australian accent often results in some pretty amusing dictation errors.
Just like on the iPhone, you can send a GIF by selecting the magnifying glass icon and either choosing from the trending list or searching for the GIF you want.
Apple Watch 7 will have a full keyboard.
Apple/Screenshot by Erin Carson/CNET
Contacts, Find My apps coming to WatchOS
The Contacts app is finally available on your wrist so you can edit, add, browse and share without pulling out your phone. Apple has also split its Find My app into two new apps: Find Items and Find Devices. They do exactly what they say on the tin and you can ping items like an AirTag or find devices signed in with your Apple ID from the Watch.
WatchOS 8 also works in conjunction with the Focus mode on the iPhone, so you can limit distractions coming through or customize modes so only notifications from certain contacts and apps break through. Once you apply the mode on the iPhone it automatically sets it on the Watch as well. It's also supposed to be smart about Focus suggestions, like prompting you to turn on the mode when you start a workout. I'll need to spend more time with the beta before it can pick up my usage patterns.
Two new workout options -- and Mindfulness
There are two new workout types you can track: Pilates and tai chi. They use customized heart rate and motion algorithms to better determine your effort than if you traced these workouts using the Other option in the workouts app. Apple's Fitness Plus also gets a picture-in-picture mode, plus additional workout filters.
Apple has also moved the Breathe app into a new Mindfulness app. In addition to animations to help guide your breathing, there's a Reflect app that gives prompts to help focus your thoughts. I really like the new animations in the Mindfulness app and in the short time I've used them, I've found they do help to focus my attention. The time you spend reflecting appears in the Health app on the iPhone (along with your heart rate) after each session.
Sleep tracking also adds respiration rate to the existing sleep metrics like heart rate and time asleep. You can also view trends over time in the Health app on the iPhone.
Apple
More flexibility for Apple Watch cyclists
Cyclists get some bonuses in WatchOS 8 like auto workout detection for bike rides, plus an auto-pause and resume option so you don't eat into your workout time when not riding. Plus fall detection now works for bike rides, so if the Apple Watch detects you taking a tumble, it can call emergency services and notify emergency contacts. Apple said fall detection for workouts will come in an update to WatchOS 8 later this year for the Series 4 and later.
Other new workout features include audible feedback cues. You'll be able to hear workout milestones -- such as when you close your activity rings -- announced through the Apple Watch speaker, or in your ear if you have Bluetooth headphones connected.
The Apple Watch Series 7.
Apple
More features to come in the Wallet app
Apple is hoping you'll ditch your physical wallet altogether and access everything from your wrist. Later in the year, iOS 15 and WatchOS 8 will be able to store a digital identity card like a driver's license in the Wallet app. Access keys for hotels and offices can also be held digitally.
You can now digitize and store your driver's license in Apple's Wallet app.
Apple
The Apple Watch Series 6 will support ultrawideband, or UWB, for car keys so you can unlock your vehicle or start it remotely, without needing to touch or tap anything on the Apple Watch. It does depend on the vehicle manufacturer and it will also roll out later in the year.
More WatchOS 8 extras
Multiple timers, with the option to label timers using Siri.
More apps support the always-on display including Maps, Timers and Phone.
The Photos app can surface your memories and featured photos. Plus you can now share photos straight from the Watch via Messages or the Mail app.
Home app lets you control accessories by room and send broadcast intercom messages from your wrist.
iOS 15.4: What You Should Know About Apple's iPhone Update
iOS 15.4: What You Should Know About Apple's iPhone Update
Apple's iOS 15.4 has a slew of new features for your iPhone. This includes new emoji, the long-awaited Universal Control, bolstered privacy measures and Face ID that works while you're wearing a mask. (All these features are also available for iPad via iPadOS 15.4.) Apple has also since released iOS 15.4.1, a minor iPhone update to fix a battery-draining bug and security issues.
As the name denotes, iOS 15.4 is the fourth major update to iOS 15, which launched with the iPhone 13 in September. These updates, which started with December's iOS 15.1 release, have added more features to Apple's iPhone operating system and improved existing ones. iOS 15.4 follows iOS 15.3.1, which was released last month to patch a security vulnerability in iPhones and iPads.
Release date: Is iOS 15.4 out now?
Yes, both iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 were released on March 14. The new green iPhone 13, the alpine green iPhone 13 Pro and the new iPhone SE come with iOS 15.4 preloaded, according to Apple.
How do I download iOS 15.4?
You can download iOS 15.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. The 15.4 update is more than a gigabyte, so make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi to avoid chewing through your monthly data allotment.
What is Universal Control?
Universal Control lets you use other Apple devices as second screens, moving content seamlessly between them using only one device. This eagerly anticipated feature was initially announced as part of MacOS Monterey, but was delayed over the fall, with a new timeline pointing to "this spring." Universal Control was part of the iOS 15.4 beta, and launched as a public beta with the Monterey OS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 updates.
Because Universal Control is still in beta, expect to run into some issues now and then. And note that the feature doesn't work on every device. Apple says Universal control is available on:
MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
MacBook (2016 and later)
MacBook Air (2018 and later)
iMac (2017 and later)
iMac (5K Retina 27-inch, late 2015)
iMac Pro
Mac Mini (2018 and later)
Mac Pro (2019)
iPad Pro
iPad Air (third generation and later)
iPad (sixth generation and later)
iPad Mini (fifth generation and later)
Apple notes that to use Universal Control, "Both devices must be signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. To use wirelessly, both devices must have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff turned on and must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other. [The] iPad and Mac must not be sharing a cellular and internet connection. To use over USB, you must trust your Mac on the iPad."
Can I use Face ID with masks?
Apple has updated its Face ID feature to be usable on the iPhone 12 and newer models even while wearing a mask. Because the feature uses a smaller portion of your face to verify your identity, you'll need to be more precise about the angle you're holding your phone at when using Face ID. Your phone will even prompt you if it needs you to look more directly at the screen. The updated feature should work for people who wear glasses, but it won't work with sunglasses.
Read more: iOS 15.4 Finally Lets You Unlock Your iPhone With a Mask On. Here's How
What new emoji are included?
If you're the kind of person who prides yourself on creative and fun emoji use, you're going to love iOS 15.4. There are 37 new emoji in the update, including new options for pregnant people, hands forming a heart shape, a salute and -- my personal favorite -- a lip-biting emoji. These were revealed last fall, and also include a melting face, a face holding back tears, a bird's nest, coral, a lotus, a low battery and kidney beans.
Other iOS 15.4 features
The operating system update also brings new safety-focused updates to AirTags, which have been under the spotlight after reports of the devices being used to stalk people.
The 15.4 update also changes the emergency call shortcut "call with five presses" from a default setting to an option, meaning the feature won't be enabled unless you choose to allow it. The hold-and-press option for the side and volume buttons remains enabled by default.
SharePlay received some updates as well, allowing some apps to start SharePlay calls from the app, rather than your needing to start a SharePlay call and then open the app. Developers will have to update their apps accordingly, so expect this option to roll out over time.
Another feature included in the update is the ability to copy text from objects using the camera while in the Notes or Reminders apps. And, as spotted by ZDNet, iOS 15.4 also fixes a bug related to recordings of Siri interactions.
For more Apple news, read about your iPhone as a payment terminal and Apple's possible wide array of new products for this fall. Also, here's how the 2022 iPhone SE compares with the 2020 version, and whether you should buy an older iPhone SE now.
iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 upgrade checklist: Here's how to get your iPhone and iPad ready
iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 upgrade checklist: Here's how to get your iPhone and iPad ready
Apple's iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 updates for the iPhone ($500 at Best Buy) and iPad ($176 at Amazon) are brimming with important and useful new features, from a new app library and widgets on your home screen to tighter privacy features and iMessage improvements. But before you install iOS 14 and iPad 14, there's a bit of basic housekeeping you should do to make the update to your iPhone and iPad go as smoothly as possible. We lay out everything you need to know, including a checklist of how to get your phone or tablet ready.
Which devices will support iOS 14 and iPadOS?
If you have a compatible device, you should be able to see you have an update available by going to Settings > General > Software Update. But, don't tap Install Now quite yet.
Devices that will support iOS 14, iPadOS 14
Phone 11
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
iPhone 11 Pro
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
iPhone XS
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
iPhone XS Max
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
iPhone XR
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
iPhone X
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPhone 8
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPhone 8 Plus
iPad (7th generation)
iPhone 7
iPad (6th generation)
iPhone 7 Plus
iPad (5th generation)
iPhone 6s
iPad Mini (5th generation)
iPhone 6s Plus
iPad Mini 4
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPad Air 2
iPod Touch (7th generation)
Don't skip this step: Clear out the clutter
When it comes time to update software or upgrade your phone, take a few minutes to go through and delete what photos and apps you don't want or need from your camera roll and installed apps.
Our phones are a digital junk drawer of sorts, collecting random screenshots, photos, videos and single-use apps. Taking a few minutes to clear it out helps free up storage, shortens the amount of time you'll spend waiting for it to backup, and even saves you some cash if you're paying for extra iCloud storage just to keep it backed up.
Delete those apps you know you'll never use again.
Jason Cipriani/CNET
Create a fresh backup, it's important
If you can help it, you should never update your iPhone or iPad without a current backup. Updates aren't a perfect process, and sometimes things go wrong. The last thing you want to happen is an update to fail, then you're left setting up your phone as brand new. Nobody wants that.
It's best to do this step right before you start the update process, that way the information stored in your backup is as current as possible.
You can backup your devices using iCloud, using Finder on Mac, or iTunes on a PC. iCloud is by far the easiest method, simply because it's built into your device and only requires a Wi-Fi connection. That said, if you're out of iCloud storage space or prefer to have more control over your device backup, then you can use your computer.
iCloud backup is the easiest method.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Option 1: Use iCloud backup
If you have iCloud backup turned on, your device should be backing up each night while it's charging and connected to Wi-Fi. However, you can force a backup at any time by going to Settings > tap on your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back up now.
Speed up the process by plugging your phone or tablet in to a charger and connecting it to a Wi-Fi network to prevent mobile data use and killing your battery in the process.
Finder looks just like iTunes when your iOS device is connected.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Option 2: Backup on a Mac
If it's been awhile since you've backed up your device using a Mac, the process has changed. With the death of iTunes last year, you'll now have to use Finder to create a backup.
I have a guide detailing the entire process, which truly isn't all that different than the old iTunes-based method.
It distills down to connecting your device to your Mac, opening it in Finder and then clicking a couple of boxes to start a backup.
Make sure to encrypt the backup to make the restoration process so much easier.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Option 3: Backup on a PC
Use Windows? You can still use iTunes, just like you always have, to back up your mobile Apple devices.
Before you start, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. The easiest way to do that is just to open it, and if you see a prompt to update it, then do follow the steps.
With that done, connect your device to iTunes using a Lightning or USB-C cable. The rest of the process consists of selecting your device in the iTunes interface and starting a backup. We have outlined all of the steps in this post, but let me make one more recommendation: Click the box that says you want to Encrypt your local backup. Doing so will backup all of your email accounts and app passwords, saving you from having to enter those whenever you have to restore your phone.
Now that you have your phone backed up and all of the random junk and clutter removed, install iOS 14 or iPadOS 14. Once it's installed, check out some of our favorite features, including the new homescreen that includes widgets -- that you can customize.
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Apple Watch SE sale: Save $60 ahead of Cyber Monday
Apple Watch SE sale: Save $60 ahead of Cyber Monday
Jared DiPane
Managing Editor, Commerce
Jared DiPane is a Managing Editor of Commerce @ CNET, helping find and deliver all the best deals on products you love and some you never knew about. Previously, he managed commerce content & initiatives for Digital Trends, Mobile Nations, & Future PLC. When not working, he's likely spending time with his family, building something, or over analyzing his next purchase.
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Your Apple Watch is getting a big new update with WatchOS 8, adding new workout options, messaging tools and some hints of what to expect ahead of the Apple Watch Series 7. The free download is available for all Apple Watch owners using the Series 3 or later and arrived alongside iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
To download the update, first make sure your iPhone is running iOS 15. As long as your watch has at least 50% battery, go to Settings and select Software Update. If less, leave the Apple Watch on its charger and wait for the update to download. Once you have the update, here are some of the best features to explore.
WatchOS 8 puts portrait photos on your wrist
The new Portraits watch face can use any portrait mode photo taken on the iPhone. First, open the Watch app on the iPhone and then navigate to the Face Gallery. Find the Portraits watch face and tap Add to find portrait photos you want to display on the watch.
Rather than displaying a static image, the watch uses segmentation data from the photo to separate the foreground from the background. This means the time appears just behind the head of your subject and if you raise your wrist or fidget with the Digital Crown, the subject pops in and out, too.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
I've found it works best with photos that have a lot of distance between the foreground and background, plus ample headroom above your subject so you can really see the effect. Some complications are also supported, so you can put elements like battery level or heart rate on the watch face as well.
Also new in the watch faces tab is a World Time option. You can see the time around the world across all 24 timezones straight from your wrist.
AssistiveTouch is a mind-blowing accessibility feature
Apple announced AssistiveTouch in May along with a range of accessibility features for the iPhone and iPad.
It lets people who have the use of only one arm control the Apple Watch by movement in the hand and wrist, like pinching or clenching actions. The watch detects these motions so you don't need to be able to touch the screen to interact with the watch.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
It's difficult to describe how intuitive this feels until you use it. Pinch your thumb and forefinger and the watch will move the focus to navigate through menu options. A double pinch moves back, while a clench is a tap action to select something on the screen. AssistiveTouch is also customizable, so you could set a double-clench action to answer a call or bring up the action menu. AssistiveTouch works with the Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE.
Better messaging tools
When you go to send a message, you'll now be able to use the scribble tool, the emoji selector or the dictation option all from the same screen. Plus, if you go to dictate a message but it makes an error in the transcription, you'll now be able to select the word and use the Digital Crown to make corrections. It's something I appreciate as my Australian accent often results in some pretty amusing dictation errors.
Just like on the iPhone, you can send a GIF by selecting the magnifying glass icon and either choosing from the trending list or searching for the GIF you want.
Apple Watch 7 will have a full keyboard.
Apple/Screenshot by Erin Carson/CNET
Contacts, Find My apps coming to WatchOS
The Contacts app is finally available on your wrist so you can edit, add, browse and share without pulling out your phone. Apple has also split its Find My app into two new apps: Find Items and Find Devices. They do exactly what they say on the tin and you can ping items like an AirTag or find devices signed in with your Apple ID from the Watch.
WatchOS 8 also works in conjunction with the Focus mode on the iPhone, so you can limit distractions coming through or customize modes so only notifications from certain contacts and apps break through. Once you apply the mode on the iPhone it automatically sets it on the Watch as well. It's also supposed to be smart about Focus suggestions, like prompting you to turn on the mode when you start a workout. I'll need to spend more time with the beta before it can pick up my usage patterns.
Two new workout options -- and Mindfulness
There are two new workout types you can track: Pilates and tai chi. They use customized heart rate and motion algorithms to better determine your effort than if you traced these workouts using the Other option in the workouts app. Apple's Fitness Plus also gets a picture-in-picture mode, plus additional workout filters.
Apple has also moved the Breathe app into a new Mindfulness app. In addition to animations to help guide your breathing, there's a Reflect app that gives prompts to help focus your thoughts. I really like the new animations in the Mindfulness app and in the short time I've used them, I've found they do help to focus my attention. The time you spend reflecting appears in the Health app on the iPhone (along with your heart rate) after each session.
Sleep tracking also adds respiration rate to the existing sleep metrics like heart rate and time asleep. You can also view trends over time in the Health app on the iPhone.
Apple
More flexibility for Apple Watch cyclists
Cyclists get some bonuses in WatchOS 8 like auto workout detection for bike rides, plus an auto-pause and resume option so you don't eat into your workout time when not riding. Plus fall detection now works for bike rides, so if the Apple Watch detects you taking a tumble, it can call emergency services and notify emergency contacts. Apple said fall detection for workouts will come in an update to WatchOS 8 later this year for the Series 4 and later.
Other new workout features include audible feedback cues. You'll be able to hear workout milestones -- such as when you close your activity rings -- announced through the Apple Watch speaker, or in your ear if you have Bluetooth headphones connected.
The Apple Watch Series 7.
Apple
More features to come in the Wallet app
Apple is hoping you'll ditch your physical wallet altogether and access everything from your wrist. Later in the year, iOS 15 and WatchOS 8 will be able to store a digital identity card like a driver's license in the Wallet app. Access keys for hotels and offices can also be held digitally.
You can now digitize and store your driver's license in Apple's Wallet app.
Apple
The Apple Watch Series 6 will support ultrawideband, or UWB, for car keys so you can unlock your vehicle or start it remotely, without needing to touch or tap anything on the Apple Watch. It does depend on the vehicle manufacturer and it will also roll out later in the year.
More WatchOS 8 extras
Multiple timers, with the option to label timers using Siri.
More apps support the always-on display including Maps, Timers and Phone.
The Photos app can surface your memories and featured photos. Plus you can now share photos straight from the Watch via Messages or the Mail app.
Home app lets you control accessories by room and send broadcast intercom messages from your wrist.
