WWDC 2024: Apple introduces watchOS 11 with a new training mode and other features – The Times of India

New features coming to watchOS 11. Double tap opens up to developers.

Apple announced its next-gen smartwatch platform, watchOS 11, at its annual developer conference, WWDC 2024. The watchOS 11 will be available to developers right away while a public beta is expected to arrive next month. However, the Apple Watch operating system is expected to get a final public release alongside the new Apple Watches later this year.

Here are all the new feature coming to watchOS 11:

The latest watchOS version will introduce a health feature in Apple Watch models called training mode. This feature will use personal data and metrics to analyse how the intensity and duration of workouts impact the user’s body over time. Apple Watch users will be able to include an “effort rating” for workouts. This will provide insights into whether the user should push harder or take it easy, including rest days.

The company confirmed that if users get sick or injured it won’t break the streaks. Moreover, users will be able to pause their Activity Rings and even adjust their Activity Ring goals based on the day of the week.

Apple Watch models will also get a Vitals app with watchOS 11. This app will offer a quick overview of important health metrics, along with new cycle-tracking features for pregnancy, including gestational age. The app will highlight when certain metrics, like heart rate, fall outside the user’s typical range.

With watchOS 11, Live Activities are also coming to the Apple Watch. This new safety feature will allow the user’s friends and family to keep tabs on them during workouts and late-night runs workouts.

Last year, Apple introduced the smart stack with a major redesign that prioritised widgets. The watchOS 11 will also enhance this by surfacing relevant widgets like translation or weather when it thinks you need them. Apple also highlighted a newly redesigned Photos watch face coming to its smartwatches.

Apple has also opened up the Double Tap feature to developers which will allow them to integrate it into their apps. This feature will enable users to double-tap their thumb and forefinger to interact with apps, such as skipping tracks in the music app or sending a message without touching the screen.

This gesture was previously limited to a selection of Apple apps and is available exclusively on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. During the keynote, Apple demonstrated how a third-party baby tracking app can use Double Tap to start a timer for tracking a baby’s sleep while holding them.

Original Author: TOI Tech Desk | Source: The Times of India