Latest news with #watchOS12

Engadget
7 hours ago
- Engadget
watchOS 26: Everything Apple announced for its wearable at WWDC 2025
During Apple's WWDC keynote event today in Cupertino, company execs announced, among other things, the latest Apple Watch software: watchOS 12 , er, watchOS 26. Like iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest, the latest generation of watchOS will now be appended with the upcoming year, instead of a sequential number. What would have been watchOS 12, is now watchOS 26. Aside from the new name, there's a new look for watchOS, too. Apple gave its entire suite of software a redesign, one that takes aesthetic cues and the "physicality and richness" of visionOS, the software used in the company's VR headset, the Vision Pro. It's the biggest redesign since iOS 7. The look is called "liquid glass" and dynamically reacts to movement and responds to the content on screen. Menus now better fit to the rounded corners of the hardware. Notifications and other information now involve translucent backgrounds, giving the interface a glass-like appearance. The watchOS 26 also brings new features including Workout Buddy, plus Apple Intelligence upgrades that makes the Smart Stack more useful and Messages notifications more intelligent. Workout Buddy can give you spoken coaching and the Workout app itself has a new new layout. Your watch will also suggest music to listen to based on the workout type. This latest suite of features join those announced during last year's WWDC, in which Apple previewed watchOS 11. The best of the bunch (for me anyway) was the ability to pause your Rings for a day in the Activity app. Other features included a Training Load metric that rates your efforts during exercise, comparing it with your output over time, and the Vitals app, which tracks overnight health metrics for those who wear their watch to bed. This story is developing, refresh for the latest updates... If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.


Geeky Gadgets
15-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple Just Teased These Amazing iOS 19 Features!
Apple has introduced a comprehensive suite of accessibility features across its software platforms, including iOS 19, iPadOS 19, watchOS 12, VisionOS 3.0, and macOS 16. These updates, announced in alignment with Global Accessibility Awareness Day, reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to inclusivity. By enhancing usability and interaction, these features aim to make Apple devices more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities, making sure technology remains a tool for empowerment and connection. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Systemwide Reading Mode: Simplifying Text Interaction One of the standout updates is the systemwide reading mode, designed to assist users with dyslexia, low vision, or other reading challenges. This feature operates seamlessly across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, making sure a consistent experience regardless of the device. By using the device's camera, the reading mode enables interaction with real-world text, such as restaurant menus, street signs, or printed documents. Integrated into the Magnifier app, this tool provides a practical solution for navigating daily tasks. The feature's ability to simplify text interaction underscores its importance for those who rely on assistive technology to engage with their surroundings. Accessibility Nutrition Labels: Informed App Choices Apple is introducing Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the App Store, a feature designed to provide detailed insights into the accessibility features of apps and games. These labels allow users to quickly identify apps that meet specific needs, such as compatibility with voice control, screen readers, or gesture-based navigation. Available across all Apple platforms, this initiative promotes transparency and enables users to make informed decisions when selecting apps. By offering clear and accessible information, Apple is helping users find tools that align with their unique requirements, fostering a more inclusive app ecosystem. Live Captions on Apple Watch: Real-Time Subtitles For the first time, live captions are now available on the Apple Watch with watchOS 12. This feature provides real-time subtitles for spoken content, allowing users to follow conversations, videos, or audio messages directly from their wrist. While the feature requires an iPhone to function, it represents a significant advancement in wearable technology. By making the Apple Watch more inclusive, this update enhances its practicality for users with hearing impairments, making sure they can stay connected and informed in real-time. Head Tracking: Hands-Free Device Navigation Apple is expanding its accessibility offerings with the introduction of head tracking for iPhones and iPads. This feature allows users to control their devices using head movements, such as raising eyebrows or subtle mouth gestures. By detecting facial expressions, this hands-free navigation tool provides greater independence for individuals with mobility challenges. It offers a new way to interact with devices without relying on touch, demonstrating Apple's commitment to creating technology that adapts to diverse user needs. Sound Recognition Enhancements: Personalized Alerts Sound recognition, a feature that alerts users to specific sounds like alarms or doorbells, is receiving a significant upgrade. The latest version introduces name recognition, which notifies users when someone calls their name. This enhancement builds on the existing functionality, making it even more useful in environments where auditory cues might otherwise go unnoticed. By tailoring alerts to individual needs, Apple continues to refine its accessibility tools to better serve users in their daily lives. AI-Powered Personal Voice: Tailored Communication Apple is advancing its voice replication technology with an updated Personal Voice feature. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, this tool creates a natural-sounding voice based on just 10 recorded phrases. Now supporting Spanish in addition to English, it allows users to generate a personalized voice that closely mirrors their own. This innovation provides a lifelike communication option for individuals with speech impairments, offering new possibilities for self-expression and interaction. By combining advanced technology with practical application, Apple is setting a new standard for personalized accessibility tools. Broader Accessibility Updates Across Apple's Ecosystem These updates are part of Apple's larger effort to enhance accessibility across its ecosystem. VisionOS 3.0 and macOS 16 include additional improvements, such as expanded language support and refined assistive technologies. These updates aim to make Apple devices more intuitive and functional for users with diverse needs. By addressing a wide range of accessibility challenges, Apple continues to set a high standard for inclusivity in the tech industry, making sure its products remain accessible to all. Empowering Users Through Inclusive Technology Apple's latest accessibility features highlight its dedication to creating technology that enables users. From systemwide reading tools to AI-driven voice replication and gesture-based controls, these innovations are designed to remove barriers and foster independence. By prioritizing inclusivity, Apple ensures that its devices and software remain tools for connection, productivity, and self-expression, benefiting users of all abilities. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iOS 19 accessibility features. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


Stuff.tv
14-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
Apple watchOS 12 rumoured system requirements: will it run on your Apple Watch?
Apple is working on its next major software update for the Apple Watch – watchOS 12. As you'd expect, watchOS 12 will work best with the latest Apple Watches, and it'll come pre-installed on the upcoming Series 11. But a whole bunch of older Apple Watches will also get the free software update – stretching back a few years. But will your current Apple Watch get the update? Here's our guide to the rumoured watchOS 12 system requirements. Read more: I think iOS 19 will be the biggest free iPhone upgrade yet Will my Apple Watch get watchOS 12? Right now, we don't have any rumours as to the compatibility for watchOS 12. Last year, watchOS 11 ditched support for the Apple Watch Series 5, making the Series 6 the oldest smartwatch that supported the update. That watch is five years old now, after releasing in 2020. However, there might be bad news for Series 6 owners this time around. For the past few years, Apple has been axing new software support after five years due to older chip limitations. That puts the Apple Watch Series 6 on the chopping block for watchOS 12. Of course, we won't actually know if this is the case until it officially launches. As I mentioned, last year's watchOS 11 update ran on all of the same devices as the previous version except the Series 5. watchOS 10 ditched support for the Series 4, and before that watchOS 9 finally dropped support for the Series 3. Here's a full list of the devices expected to be compatible with watchOS 12: Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Apple Watch Series 9 Apple Watch Ultra Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Series 7 Apple Watch SE (all versions) Expect the new software to debut at Apple's WWDC 2025 developers conference in June, before it rolls out to everyone in September.


Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Apple releases watchOS 11.5 with new Pride watch face and more
Apple has released the watchOS 11.5 update for the users. The latest update brings two new features for the Apple Watch users. The update brings the new Pride Harmony Watch dace and a new Apple TV purchase option. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Apart from this, the latest OS update also fixed a bug. Apple watchOS 11.5 update: new features Apple watchOS 11.5 brings the new Pride Harmony watch face . 'The analog watch face presents bold, individual rainbow stripes, which dynamically shift in sequence across the face of the display to form large hour numerals as users raise their wrist to check the time,' said Apple. The watch face is designed to support Apple Watch Series 10's upgraded always-on display, allowing the seconds hand to remain visible even when the screen is dimmed. Apart from this, the update also brings Apple TV purchases via Apple Watch. Users are now allowed to buy content within the Apple TV app using their Apple Watch. The update also resolves an issue where iPhones failed to show notifications when an Apple Watch battery was fully charged. How to download watchOS 11.5 update To install the update: Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Navigate to General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install. Ensure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple to announce watchOS 12 next month at WWDC 2025 With watchOS 12 expected next month, this update ensures Apple Watch users get a refined experience ahead of WWDC 2025 . While specific features are still under wraps, early reports suggest a focus on tighter integration with Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI tools.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
watchOS 12 wishlist — 3 Apple Watch upgrades I want most
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. We're roughly two months out from Apple's annual WWDC 2025 event, which means fresh Apple Watch features are basically right around the corner. Every year, Cupertino uses this early summer affair to show off all the new software-related bells and whistles coming to not just Apple Watch, but Mac, iPad, iPhone and more via future OS updates. Last year's debut of watchOS 11 gave hiking and outdoors enthusiasts (like myself) several handy new ways to interact with their wrist-based wearable. These include the Check In safety tool — which is especially valuable for solo outings — and a new Training Load metric to help users maximize their efforts and minimize injury. watchOS 11 also delivered nifty new features for ocean lovers and world travelers, along with streamlined health data and trend reports via the new Vitals app. What's in store this time around? Here's what we know so far about watchOS 12. Of course, many of the details about Apple's forthcoming software are unknown. With that in mind, here are the three watchOS 12 upgrades I'm hoping for most and an avid Apple Watch-wearing outdoorsy individual. Apple isn't the only smartwatch brand guilty of obfuscating step count totals for individual workouts including walks, hikes and runs. While the device provides a total step count tally for the day, you'll need a third-party app (the StepsApp is a TG favorite) to uncover how many paces you took during your 30-minute errand-running lunch break or that weekend hike with the family. This also means that you'll need to simultaneously run the step-counting app in the background in addition to tracking your efforts with Apple's Workout app, which is not exactly ideal. Ultimately, if Apple is already monitoring my daily step count total, how hard could it be to parse separate tallies for step-based workouts? Brands like Samsung and Google already do this and Apple is aught to join them. I'm hoping watchOS 12 includes the long-overdue addition of a daily energy score and sleep score. Many of the best smartwatch models from Garmin, Google, Samsung and even Amazfit provide such metrics. On the subject of matching competitor features, I'm hoping watchOS 12 includes the long-overdue addition of a daily energy score and sleep score. Many of the best smartwatch models from Garmin, Google, Samsung and even Amazfit provide such metrics (though naming varies) on a scale from one to 100. This is, of course, not just a feature that hikers and outdoor adventurers will appreciate but anyone who has fitness goals and/or values a good night's rest. And I'm not alone in wishing for such a set of metrics. A quick peruse of popular forums reveals tons of other Apple Watch owners sighting such a metric as one of their top watchOS 12 requests. Both of these metrics make it easier to plan your day. While the Apple Watch tracks a lot of data while you sleep, you need to take the time to digest these details for a full understanding. On the other hand, a numeric sleep score provides a big-picture view and can be absorbed at a glance. An energy score — often based on recent workout efforts, sleep quality and other health trends — reveals just how ready you are to take on the day's challenges. For example, it might help you decide whether or not to embark on that 8-mile hike with 3,500 feet of elevation gain or instead stick to something a little less intense. My irritation with having to jump between apps on the Apple Watch is noted above and this wish list item — also strongly requested for by fellow Apple Watch owners — follows the same theme. The Maps app on Apple Watch offers turn-by-turn directions, which generally work quite well. You even get topographic map views and trail data including trail names and length (in some locations). However, there's no simple way — outside of jumping back and forth between apps — to view the Maps app or use its navigational tools while simultaneously monitoring your real-time metrics in the Workout app. So, my third and final feature request for watchOS 12 is better integration between the Maps app and the Workout app. This small improvement would make a world of difference for folks who enjoy exploring the world one step at a time. What features are you hoping come to Apple Watch in 2025 with the launch of watchOS 12? Let me know in the comments below. Apple Maps refresh — new hiking features are welcome but these are the ones I really wanted How to download watchOS 11 watchOS 11 has a feature I love so much, I hope iOS 18 steals it