Apple announced today at WWDC watchOS 4, an update to its wearable operating system, that brings with additional watch faces, including an AI-based ‘Siri Watch Face.’
The tech giant is debuting a Siri watchface — or ‘Siri Face’ — that can change dynamically based on your routines and the apps that you use. In the morning you might see your first meeting, and at noon you might see a call you need to hop on, or a pass for a flight you have that afternoon.
There’s also a kaleidoscope face, which you can rotate to create a ‘trippy’ effect and new character watchfaces with Woody, Jessie and Buzz from Toy Story.
There are also sparkle animations to congratulate users when they close an activity ring, a new design for the ‘Workout’ app and autoset workouts for pool laps.
The watchOS Activity app also delivers user-specific coaching to help users complete their daily workout goals. For example, at the end of the day, the Apple Watch can tell users exactly how long they need to walk to achieve that day’s walking goals.
The Activity app can also provide monthly challenges tailor-made for users to accomplish.
Among the other updates for workout fans, there’s GymKit, which gives users the ability to tap your NFC-enabled watch against workout equipment. Apple Watch-enabled equipment is rolling out this fall says Apple, while the company displayed brand names like LifeFitness and StairMaster.
WatchOS 4 also brings new auto-sets for swimming, as well as new features for high intensity interval training workouts.
Apple Music is also an important focus. There’s a new music app on the Apple Watch that pulls in and syncs Apple Music playlists automatically.
The OS builds on watchOS 3, which was centered on the importance of the “Dock,” a new way to quickly access 10 Apple Watch apps you frequently use.
In addition to these features, watchOS 4 comes with support for the new person-to-person Apple Pay feature.
Users will be able to transfer payments to other Apple Pay users using their Apple Watch, through using messagers or Siri.
The developer preview of watchOS 4 is available today, with a free upgrade for all users this fall, when a new version of the Watch itself will likely debut.
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