With watchOS 3, Apple finally gets Watch right

The main talking point so far has been improving Watch OS’ performance, with Apple saying the updated platform would be seven times faster, and a new feature called Scribble.

In addition, Apple has added new reply options to Messages and a new touch keyboard called Scribble, which lets you draw on the display.

New ways to launch apps by swiping or tapping once on the Watch face could address complaints that the device is too complicated or takes too long to respond.

Apple is at the forefront of developing features with accessibility for all users in mind, which is why watchOS 3’s Activity app has new settings for wheelchair users.

Siri is also likely to move from mainly that sassy voice in your iPhone or Apple Watch and become a feature of Apple Mac computers. To use the feature, you write one letter at a time on the screen’s face and your input is converted to text. It contains the battery percentage, the option to activate airplane mode, and options to silence the Watch. You can now share, compare and compete with friends or family members. Interestingly, it works with both English and Chinese.

New watchfaces were added – including the Minnie Mouse version, of course. Replacing the watch face is as easy as going through the dock; with an edge-to-edge swipe, users can change this.

Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer said: “Apple Watch is the ultimate companion for a healthy life and with watchOS 3, there’s now even more to love”.

It will include a new safety feature that lets you call the emergency services in a few seconds – all by simply holding down the side button. This will work as a cellphone call using your iPhone, or a call over Wi-Fi if you’re near a wireless network.

The final app that Apple showed off was called Breathe. “Favorite apps launch instantly and are simple to access, and the breakthrough new fitness and health features like the Breathe app make it feel like a whole new watch”. Users receive notifications about their friends’ progress, including completed Activity rings, finished workouts and earned achievements.

Wheelchair users are being directly catered for in WatchOS 3, with specially created new fitness mechanics specifically based on the techniques used to push the wheels on the chair. Users can also put in personal pictures of their loved ones as a watch face. You can launch the app from your watch face, your dock, or you can set reminders via Stand reminders.

Developers will have some new toys to play with in WatchOS 3, including Apple Pay support in the app, and the chance to run fitness apps in the background. All apps in the Dock are live, so you can get your info without actually having to open the app. To complement all this, Apple has introduced a Control Center.

WatchOS 3 is coming this fall (autumn to us Brits), in the form of an over-the-air update to existing Apple Watches.