Apple released an update to its Apple Watch OS that will allow developers to get past the iPhone to write apps directly to the device.
Apple CEO Tim Cook made the announcement during the Worldwide Developers Conference in California on June 8.
"This new version will have great new capabilities and bring native apps right to your wrist," Cook said.
"We're excited for developers to start building native apps for watchOS 2... Apple Watch users will love being able to see information from their favorite apps right on the watch face, and enjoy the many new experiences developers will dream up now that they have access to even more innovative features of Apple Watch," said Apple technology VP Kevin Lynch.
These native apps will allow third-party software developers to create faster and smarter software specifically for and directly to the Apple Watch. With access to parts of the Watch OS which they previously did not, both the iPhone version and the Apple Watch version will have similar responsiveness and ease of use.
The update now also allows developers to create new watch faces and other UI or cosmetic changes. The list of features for the watchOS includes access to health kit and heart rate data control over HomeKit devices.
"These new tools allow developers to make apps more robust. For example, Strava can more accurately track your heart rate while on a ride or run using data from the heart rate sensor and accelerometer; Insteon can give customers more precise controls to dim their lights or control the temperature with the Digital Crown; Volkswagen owners can get haptic feedback when their car door has been locked; WeChat includes audio messaging using the microphone; and Vine can host and play video right in the app," the official Apple press release statement said.
The statement added that the following features are also included in the new watchOS2:
- Nightstand Mode that transforms Apple Watch into a bedside alarm clock, with the Digital Crown and side button serving as snooze and off buttons for the alarm;
- the ability to use merchant rewards and store-issued credit and debit cards with Apple PayTM, which can be added to Wallet;
- support for Transit in Maps*, so you can view detailed transportation maps and schedules, including walking directions to the nearest stations with entrances and exits precisely mapped;
- workouts from third-party fitness apps contributing to your all-day Move and Exercise goals;
- using Siri® to start specific workouts, launch Glances and reply to email; and
- Activation Lock, which lets users secure their Apple Watch with their Apple ID, preventing another user from wiping or activating the device if it is lost or stolen.
The watchOS 2 update will be available this fall for Apple Watch.
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