Apple’s new software for the Apple Watch, watchOS 2, launched on September 21, 2015 after being delayed because of a bug in the software. The Apple Watch operating system, watchOS 2, was originally set to be released with iOS 9 on September 16, 2015.
Native Applications on Apple Watch
One big feature of watchOS 2 is the ability to run apps natively on Apple Watch instead of running on a connected iPhone. Native apps now have the ability to directly access the hardware on Apple Watch, such as the microphone and heart rate monitor. The update allows developers to go further with the apps they develop for Apple Watch. Not all third party apps will be ready for native support right away, as developers will add support over time.
Time Lapse Watch Faces
Time Lapse is one of the new options for watch faces on Apple Watch. Time Lapse options for Apple Watch include cityscapes of popular places such as San Fransisco, London and New York City. Other options for watch faces in watchOS 2 include a photo or photo album. Also, if you use a passcode with Apple Watch, the buttons to enter the password are slightly bigger, allowing for easier input.
Activation Lock for Apple Watch
Ever since iOS 7, iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches have featured activation lock. Activation lock allows a device to be locked to the user’s Apple ID. This feature is now avaiable for Apple Watch with watchOS 2. If someone steals an Apple Watch, they need the user’s Apple ID credentials to unlock it and use it for their own purpose. This should decrease theft of Apple Watch devices much in the same way that iPhone theft declined after activation lock's release with iOS 7.
Nightstand Mode
Another new feature of watchOS 2 is the Nightstand mode. While using Nightstand mode, the time on Apple Watch is displayed horizontally. This allows you to tilt your Apple Watch on it’s side when it is charging at night. With Nightstand mode, Apple Watch becomes an excellent alarm clock.
Should You Upgrade to watchOS 2?
In all, watchOS 2 is a great update for Apple Watch. The overall speed of the Apple Watch seems significantly faster. New features like Time Lapse and Nightstand mode increase the usability and applicability of Apple Watch to your everyday life. The ability to run applications natively on Apple Watch is a huge win for developers and consumers alike. With Apple Watch's release, many complaints arose from the fact that so many applications had to run from a connected iPhone instead of from the Watch itseld. Native support will solve this issue for consumers. I’m pretty excited about the update and I would recommend updating your Apple Watch to watchOS 2.
How to Update to watchOS 2
To update the software on your Apple Watch, simply go into the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Once in the app, choose General, then Software Update. The software update is free to install.