WatchOS7 Preview: 5 Biggest Features to Expect Today

WatchOS7 Preview: 5 Biggest Features to Expect Today

After months of leaks and speculation about what features will be included in Apple's flagship wearable, Apple's watchOS 7 software will be unveiled today at WWDC 2020.

As the software that will be included in the Apple Watch 6, there are many reasons to look out for watchOS 7 at the annual developer keynote. Set a reminder to watch WWDC live online at 10:00 a.m. Japan time / 1:00 p.m. ET to see if your old Apple Watch will be compatible with the new software, or if Apple's plans for sleep tracking will finally come to fruition!

Fitness.

A dedicated Fitness app, Kids Mode, new watch face features, and a catalog of mental health tools are just a handful of the exciting watchOS 7 features we can expect to learn more about at WWDC based on the iOS 14 code leaked in December. Apple may have tentatively ditched any of these, but we're sure at least some will come from the Cupertino digital event later today.

Here are the five major watchOS 7 features we're hoping to learn more about at this year's WWDC.

Sleep mode, or Apple's version of sleep tracking, is a feature the company has been working on for several years and may finally be ready for release; it has been rumored since 2017 and many thought it would appear with the Apple Watch Series 5.

Once enabled, the sleep mode preset will enable Do Not Disturb, set alarms, and can begin monitoring your night's rest. Sleep tracking on even the best fitness trackers can be inaccurate, but we are optimistic that Apple waited this long to release watchOS because they wanted to get it right.

Apple Watch sleep tracking should provide an indication of the quality of your snooze. This might include setting goals for sleep duration and providing recommendations for better sleep.

All Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 7 are expected to benefit from sleep tracking, meaning it is not exclusive to Series 6. In other words, it is not exclusive to the Series 6. New software may improve battery management tools and a low-power mode that allows the watch to be left on all night without charging.

A dedicated fitness app could appear on the Apple Watch, separate from existing health and activity programs. This new app would follow your movements and track your workout progress. It should also allow you to download guided fitness-related workout videos.

According to the latest rumors about the new fitness app, both the iOS, tvOS, and watchOS versions will be completely free with no in-app purchases. Apple has yet to directly enter the training business, but has expressed interest in using its large library of health metrics to help users get in shape.

Several leakers have stated that Apple is working on a collection of mental health features for watchOS 7. Apple is said to be motivated to make its wearables better by using built-in sensors to detect early signs of stress and panic. These tools could work in conjunction with the electrical heart sensors in the Apple Watch 4 and 5, and could also incorporate the SpO2 pulse oximeter rumored to be included in the Apple Watch 6.

The Apple Watch could let you know you are stressed before you even realize it and help you calm down. At the very least, some warning would be helpful in situations where a panic attack could put you in a dangerous situation, such as when you are driving.

Apple will reportedly release a new watch face called "Infograph Pro" in watchOS 7. As its name suggests, it will be a further evolution of the existing Infograph option that debuted on the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018; Infograph Pro will introduce tachymeter, an analog watch piece that measures speed and distance based on travel time.

There may also be a library of international watch faces representing flags from around the world. Apple may have planned these for the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, but it is still possible that they will be released so that you can wear your favorite country's emblem on your wrist.

Also, for those who want to share their watch face customizations, watchOS 7 may introduce an iCloud sharing feature that allows users to send their current settings to friends.

While the Apple Watch does not (yet) have a major child demographic, watchOS 7 may allow parental monitoring for young smartwatch users. Rumor has it that "Kids Mode" will allow a single Phone to monitor both the adult user's iPhone and the child's Apple Watch. This could be useful for keeping in touch and giving kids access to emergency contacts.

Kids Mode could also include a modified activity interface that eliminates the calorie counting ring and instead focuses on exercise goals. They could be rewarded for playing sports.

For more of the Apple software news we expect from today's keynote, check out our WWDC preview.

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