watchOS 11‘s most impactful feature will need a new Apple Watch
What specific feature in watchOS 11 requires the new Apple Watch to function?
The specific feature in watchOS 11 that requires the new Apple Watch to function is the blood pressure management system. This feature will be available in the Health app and will rely on watchOS 11's support for upcoming Apple Watch hardware with a blood pressure sensor. The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to introduce a major new health sensor, which will make blood pressure detection easier and more accessible than ever.
Can you detail the improvements being made to the Health app in watchOS 11?
watchOS 11 is expected to bring several improvements to the Health app, most notably in the area of blood pressure data management. This upgrade is being introduced in preparation for future Apple Watches, which are rumored to have hypertension detection capabilities.
With watchOS 11, users will be able to get blood pressure readings directly from their Apple Watch, without the need for an external blood pressure monitor or a visit to the doctor's office. This feature will require a compatible Apple Watch model, specifically the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, which is rumored to include a blood pressure sensor.
In its first iteration, the blood pressure sensor system is designed to inform users if their blood pressure is trending upward and to offer a journal for users to record what was happening when hypertension occurred. To avoid potential misdiagnosis, the feature will then direct users to consult their doctor or check their blood pressure with a traditional cuff, which can provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements. A future version of the system is reportedly in development, which will have the ability to provide exact numbers and even diagnose related conditions.
These improvements to the Health app in watchOS 11 will make blood pressure detection more accessible and easier than ever, further solidifying the Apple Watch's role as a health-focused device.
What new AI capabilities will iOS 18, dubbed 'Apple Intelligence', introduce at the upcoming WWDC?
iOS 18, also known as "Apple Intelligence", is set to introduce a variety of AI capabilities that will significantly enhance the user experience across Apple devices4. Here are some key features expected to be included:
-
Siri's AI-enabled future: Apple's digital assistant will leverage Apple's own large language models and will allow Siri to control individual features inside applications. This will work without any necessary setup by developers or users. In addition, Siri will receive more natural-sounding voices.
-
AI-powered email and messaging: Apple Mail will get suggested email replies generated by Ajax. In Messages, users will have the option for suggested replies, custom emoji, and message recaps.
-
AI-powered photo retouching: In Apple Photos, a new interface is being teased. People will have the ability to retouch photos with AI, perhaps challenging Google Photos in this area.
-
AI-generated playlists: Apple Music may take on Spotify with its own AI-generated playlists.
-
AI-powered summarization: Apple News will offer AI-generated news article summaries. Notes will gain the ability to record and transcribe audio, and it could also gain the ability to generate AI-powered summaries.
-
AI-powered notification summaries: iOS 18 will bring the ability to place app icons wherever you want, instead of having to align them to the grid without spaces in between them. Users will also be able to change the color of app icons.
-
AI-powered transcription: Voice Memos will support real-time transcription.
-
AI-powered search: Spotlight is expected to get faster, more reliable search. Safari will have an AI browsing assistant that can summarize web pages.
-
AI-powered calendar: The Calendar app will include integration with the Reminders app, allowing you to schedule and organize reminders directly from the Calendar app.
-
AI-powered text messaging: Apple is expected to bring support for RCS, the cross-platform messaging standard, to the iPhone. This will improve the current messaging experience between iPhone and Android users by bringing iMessage-like features.
These features will be opt-in, meaning Apple won't make users adopt them if they don't want to. The processing requirements of AI will mean that users will need an iPhone 15 Pro or one of the iPhone 16 models coming out this year to use it. For those using iPads or Macs, models will need an M1 chip at least.