Tag: watchOS 26

  • Apple watchOS 26 Launches with AI Workout Buddy Feature

    Apple watchOS 26 Launches with AI Workout Buddy Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of the AI-based “Workout Buddy” for motivational support during workouts.
    2. Enhanced Workout app with personalized workouts, music playlists, and automatic volume adjustment.
    3. Smart Stacks feature providing useful prompts based on user habits and sensor data.
    4. Upgraded communication features, including AI-translation for text messages and caller information alerts.
    5. Compatibility for watchOS 26 is limited to Apple Watches from 2020 onwards, excluding the first-generation Apple Watch SE.

    Apple has revealed watchOS 26 for its Apple Watches, featuring a fresh Liquid Glass interface, handy new tools, and an AI-based Workout Buddy. This operating system works with all Apple Watches that came out in 2020 or later (like the Apple Watch 10 available on Amazon), except for the first-generation Apple Watch SE.

    Introduction of Workout Buddy

    The Workout Buddy needs to be linked to an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence and Bluetooth headphones. While users exercise, the Buddy offers motivational support to help them meet their targets, providing updates on various stats like distance, heart rate, milestones, and pace. After each workout, users receive congratulatory messages. All the spoken encouragement is generated by AI, with the right tone and energy for popular activities such as running, walking, and strength training.

    Enhancements in the Workout App

    The Workout app has been revamped to allow easier access to personalized workouts, while Apple Music can now pick playlists that fit the user and their workout preferences. It can also suggest additional playlists and podcasts based on previous exercise history. The volume of the speaker adjusts automatically to match the surrounding noise levels.

    Apple Watches with watchOS 26 will use Smart Stacks to show useful prompts based on a user’s daily habits and sensor data. For instance, if a user appears to be lost, a prompt may suggest using the Backtrack feature to retrace their steps. A simple flick of the wrist now enables users to dismiss notifications. If someone tends to forget things, they can record notes using the new Notes app by typing or dictating.

    Improvements in Communication Features

    In watchOS 26, calling and messaging get several upgrades. Text messages will be AI-translated automatically and offer suggested actions based on their content. However, Live Translation is limited to the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 when connected to an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone. Users can now hear the name of the caller and the reason for the call before picking up. Furthermore, when on hold during a call, users will receive alerts when they are taken off hold.

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  • Apple’s Major Updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs This Year

    Apple’s Major Updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple introduced iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 featuring a new “Liquid Glass” design with enhanced transparency and light effects.
    2. Public beta testing for all new operating systems will start in July, with final versions available in the fall.
    3. iOS 26 is not compatible with all iPhones currently running iOS 18; specific compatible models were listed.
    4. iPadOS 26 introduces desktop-like multitasking and an improved file manager, available on select iPad models.
    5. watchOS 26 features a redesigned interface and AI capabilities like “Workout Buddy,” but these features require pairing with iPhone 15 Pro (Max) or iPhone 16 series devices.

    During the keynote event at WWDC yesterday, Apple unveiled iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26, among others. These new operating systems showcase Apple’s “Liquid Glass” design, which incorporates a variety of transparency effects and light reflections. This design approach makes widgets, app icons, menu bars, and pop-up windows appear much more contemporary than in previous versions.

    Public Beta and Release Timeline

    All the new operating systems will begin public beta testing in July, with the final versions expected to be available as a free update in the fall. iOS 26 boasts a plethora of new features but is not supported on all iPhones that are currently running iOS 18. The compatible iPhone models for iOS 26 include:

    The iPad is finally receiving desktop-like multitasking capabilities, along with an enhanced file manager, a sharper mouse cursor instead of a rounded one, and Apple’s fresh aesthetic. The new iPadOS runs on the following iPad models:

    Updates in macOS and Gaming Features

    A significant portion of macOS 26 centers around Apple’s comprehensive design overhaul. Surprisingly, this update also highlights numerous new gaming functionalities. However, support for older Intel-based Macs is somewhat restricted, as the system is compatible with the following Mac models:

    The Apple Watch is set to receive not only a revamped design through watchOS 26 but also innovative AI capabilities. One such feature is “Workout Buddy,” which aims to encourage users during their exercise routines. However, these AI features are only accessible when the Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone 15 Pro (Max) or an iPhone 16 series device. The watchOS 26 operates on the following smartwatch models:

    Apple.

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    Apple's Major Updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs This YearApple's Major Updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs This YearApple's Major Updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs This YearApple's Major Updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs This Year

     

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  • Apple AirPods Pro to Gain New Features with iOS 16 Update

    Apple AirPods Pro to Gain New Features with iOS 16 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple will unveil major updates to iOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26 during WWDC on June 9.
    2. New AI features are expected to improve iPhone battery life, alongside significant design changes.
    3. AirPods will introduce a head gesture to adjust music volume after it’s lowered by the “Conversation Awareness” feature.
    4. AirPods may automatically pause playback if a user falls asleep, potentially requiring an Apple Watch for functionality.
    5. A new “Studio mode” is in development to enhance microphone quality, and iPadOS 26 will simplify connecting multiple AirPods to one iPad.

    Apple is set to unveil major updates to its operating systems during the WWDC event on June 9. This includes iOS 26 for the iPhone, watchOS 26 for the Apple Watch, and macOS 26 for the Mac. Along with significant design changes and a new AI feature aimed at improving the battery life of the iPhone, there are also plans for a variety of fresh features for the fourth-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro 2.

    Expected Features for AirPods

    One of the main features being talked about is a new head gesture that would enable users to boost the music volume again after it has been lowered due to Apple’s “Conversation Awareness” function, which activates when it senses a conversation. Another anticipated feature is that the AirPods will be able to detect when a user has fallen asleep and automatically pause the playback. However, 9to5Mac indicates that this might only function if the user is also wearing an Apple Watch that has sleep tracking capabilities.

    Camera Control and Studio Mode

    Additionally, there is talk of a new ability that lets users trigger the iPhone camera by pressing a button on the stem of the AirPods Pro while the camera app is open. It remains uncertain whether this will be effective when the AirPods are being held in hand or when they are in the ears. On another note, Apple is also said to be working on a “Studio mode” that aims to enhance microphone quality. Meanwhile, iPadOS 26 is likely to make it easier to connect multiple AirPods to a single iPad, which could be especially beneficial for educational settings.

    9to5Mac | Vasil Korzh (teaser image)

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  • Apple iPhone to Launch iOS 26; New Branding for macOS, watchOS

    Apple iPhone to Launch iOS 26; New Branding for macOS, watchOS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is rebranding its operating systems to iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and visionOS 26 for clarity and consistency.
    2. The new designs will be revealed at WWDC on June 9, featuring a cohesive interface known as “Solarium.”
    3. iOS 26 is expected to improve iPhone battery life by reducing power usage with AI technology.
    4. Major multitasking enhancements for iPad users will include a macOS-style menu bar when using a keyboard.
    5. A new gaming application for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K is in development, similar to Steam.

    iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and visionOS 2 are set to be replaced by operating systems numbered 26, representing the next year when these updates are predicted to launch. Apple aims to make the naming of its operating systems more consistent, which should help clear up any confusion for both users and developers.

    Upcoming Announcements

    The new titles – iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and visionOS 26 – are expected to be revealed during the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9. This rebranding will come with a fresh design, which Apple refers to internally as “Solarium.” The revamped user interface is designed to create a more cohesive appearance across all operating systems, focusing on depth, transparency, and rounded edges. Additionally, the iOS 26 update is rumored to enhance iPhone battery life by cutting down on power usage with the help of AI.

    Exciting New Features

    There are also whispers that the iPhone will get new camera capabilities along with better support for external monitors. This upgrade is particularly thrilling for iPad users, who will benefit from several major multitasking improvements. These enhancements include a macOS-style menu bar that will be accessible at the top of the screen when a keyboard or Magic Keyboard is connected. Furthermore, a fresh gaming application for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K is in the works, designed to function as a game launcher akin to Steam.

    Conclusion

    In summary, these updates from Apple are looking to bring a more unified experience across devices with exciting new features and a stylish interface. As the WWDC approaches, anticipation is building for what Apple has in store for its users in the upcoming year.

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