Apple Releases watchOS 3 With App Dock, Instant Launching, New Watch Faces, Breathe, and More

[MacRumors]

Apple today released watchOS 3, the newest version of the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 3 is a significant update to the watchOS operating system, introducing an overhauled interface, new apps, new watch faces, and impressive performance improvements.

watchOS 3 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General -> Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone. watchOS 3 is available for all Apple Watch models, but requires an iPhone running iOS 10 to install, which was also released today.

watchOS 3 features a new dock that houses your favorite and recently used apps so they're quicker to access. Up to 10 apps saved to the dock are kept up to date at all times and are able to launch instantly, cutting down on app loading times.

Navigation is improved in watchOS 3, with left and right swipes able to change the watch face. Upward swipes bring up the Control Center, while a downward swipe opens the Notification Center. Pressing the side button brings up the new dock.

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There are new Activity sharing features in watchOS 3, along with workouts and activities for wheelchair users. A new "Breathe" app guides you through daily deep breathing sessions to cut down on stress, and there are new Reminders, Find My Friends, and Heart Rate apps.

Three new watch faces are available, an SOS feature can automatically call emergency services, and an Apple Watch can be used to unlock a password protected Mac with new Continuity functionality. A revamped Messages app makes it easier to reply to incoming texts, plus there's a new "Scribble" feature for writing replies on the Apple Watch face with a finger.

For more details on what's new in watchOS 3, make sure to check out our full watchOS 3 roundup.

Article Link: Apple Releases watchOS 3 With App Dock, Instant Launching, New Watch Faces, Breathe, and More

 

[skillz1318]

Not showing up for me yet...

 

[cambookpro]

"About 1 hour remaining"...

 

[testcard]

2 hours remaining

 

[powaking]

Not showing up for me yet...

Does for me, it went from 7 hours remaining to 2 hours remaining now. Hopefully it picks up speed. Already on iOS10 GM.

 

[Mrjoedot]

Here we go

 

[djcerla]

Christmas time!

 

[diggator]

Is the download by timezones - nothing here in FLORIDA..

 

[john991]

Here we go

When your done, let everyone know the build number you have.

Thanks

 

[Zippy3505]

Is this the same build as the GM build? Thanks

 

[manickbarry]

Nothing here in the U.K. Either

 

[designaholic]

Is the download by timezones - nothing here in FLORIDA..

I don't think so, I'm in the UK and it's not showing for me but is for others in the UK above. I have the iOS 10.0.1 (14A403) GM. Hurry up servers, I need this update!

 

[AppleRobert]

2 hrs remaining, I am downloading at 18 Mbps. Argh!

 

[xDKP]

Does it require you to have the iOS 10 installed before detecting this? My iPhone 6S detects (and is downloading) iOS 10 but Watch app doesn't see this update yet

 

[testcard]

Nothing here in the U.K. Either

I'm in the UK and downloading now.

 

[xTIMMYxCOREx]

Nothing here in LA yet either. AppleTV is updating however.

 

[Dana W]

Nothing here. (Minneapolis Minnesota) I should have updated via Reddit like everyone else. I'll know better next time.

 

[AppleRobert]

Does it require you to have the iOS 10 installed before detecting this? My iPhone 6S detects (and is downloading) iOS 10 but Watch app doesn't see this update yet

You need iOS 10 first.

I am on east coast, US and got the update right at 1:00pm.

 

[xraydoc]

Either not out yet on the east coast as of 1:17 pm or the release is the same as watchOS beta 3 - Watch app is telling me I'm currently up to date.

Anyone know the build number? I'm currently on 14S326.

 

[bcroft686]

Nothing here. (Minneapolis Minnesota) I should have updated via Reddit like everyone else. I'll know better next time.

Downloading now from Minneapolis!

2 hours remaining, though

 

[goshya]

Why does one have to update to iOS 10 to get WatchOS 3?

From what I've heard iOS 10 slows down the iPhone 6. So I'm basically stuck with WatchOS 2...

Well done Apple.

I very much regret having bought this overpriced, slow piece of rubbish.

 

[testcard]

Down to 12 minutes. I might get to bed tonight.

 

[xraydoc]

Why does one have to update to iOS 10 to get WatchOS 3?

iOS 10 would slow down my iPhone 6. So I'm basically stuck with WatchOS 2...

Well done Apple.

I very much regret having bought this overpriced, slow piece of rubbish.

It's dependent on the watch.app for the iPhone, so they need to be updated together.

iOS 10 won't slow down your iP6.

 

[Spendlove]

Just waiting for iOS 10 to install then I can get my Apple Watch into the 22nd century!

 

[jtropeano]

Why does one have to update to iOS 10 to get WatchOS 3?

iOS 10 would slow down my iPhone 6. So I'm basically stuck with WatchOS 2...

Well done Apple.

I very much regret having bought this overpriced, slow piece of rubbish.

Nah. You'll be good on iOS 10 w your iPhone 6. Check geekbench scores here: