Bevel, an app that transforms the Apple Watch into a Whoop-style fitness tracker, is now offering nearly all of its features for free, except for its AI-powered Bevel Intelligence, which remains subscription-based. The update makes the app more accessible, with plans for additional features and potential price increases in 2026, though current subscribers will retain their current rates. Bevel consolidates health data from various sources to provide insights on recovery, habits, and more, making it a valuable tool for Apple Watch users.
Apple is hosting a 'Mindful Month' activity challenge on October 10, encouraging users to record a 10-minute mindfulness or meditation session using their Apple Watch or compatible apps, rewarding participants with a trophy and animated stickers.
Apple's iOS 18.2 update introduces a clinical-grade Hearing Test feature for AirPods Pro 2, now available in nine additional countries. Users can assess their hearing health by listening to various tones in a quiet environment. The test results, measured in decibel hearing level (dBHL), can be accessed in the Health app and shared with healthcare providers. The update also enables features like Media Assist and Hearing Aid mode for users with detected hearing loss.
Users have reported discrepancies in the "Flights Climbed" feature of Apple's Health app, with some experiencing inaccurate stair counts on their iPhones and Apple Watches. Despite attempts to troubleshoot the issue, including contacting Apple for clarification, no definitive answer has been found. This highlights the potential limitations of relying solely on device-tracked health data, as some users have found discrepancies in their recorded activity levels, leading to questions about the accuracy and reliability of fitness tracking features on Apple devices.
Apple will no longer offer the ability to measure blood oxygen levels on newly purchased Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 models in the U.S. following a patent case loss to medical technology company Masimo. The U.S. International Trade Commission found that some Apple Watches violated Masimo's patents and issued a ban on the import of watches with the technology. Apple continues to appeal the case, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has reinstated the feature ban, requiring changes to remove the technology at the center of the patent fight.
Apple has released watchOS 10.2, which includes the ability to access and log Health app data using Siri. In an interview, Apple executives explained that this feature is part of their effort to make health data more accessible. The reason for the delay in adding Health queries to Siri was to ensure user privacy. The feature is currently limited to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which are powerful enough to process requests locally on-device. At launch, health logging via Siri is available in English (United States) and Mandarin Chinese (China mainland), with more languages to follow.
Apple has released watchOS 10.2 for Apple Watch users, which includes updates to the Health app's integration with Siri, an easier way to switch watch faces, and more. The update also resolves an issue with watch faces not appearing on the Apple Watch. Users can update their Apple Watch through the companion app or the Settings app on the device.
Apple has released watchOS 10.2, the latest version of its operating system for Apple Watches. The update introduces support for using Siri to access and record data in the Health app on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Users can ask Siri questions about their sleep or steps taken. The update also brings back the option to swipe to change watch faces, a feature that was removed in watchOS 10. Other improvements include the ability to confirm ending workouts and prioritize volume in Fitness+ workouts.
Apple's iOS 17 update introduces new features to the Health app, including mood tracking, mental health questionnaires, tools for improving eye health, medication reminders, and the availability of the Health app on iPad. Users can log their mood throughout the day, view mood patterns over time, and identify factors influencing their emotions. The app also includes questionnaires for anxiety and depression screening, tools for maintaining eye health, and reminders for medication tracking. Additionally, the Health app is now accessible on iPad, displaying health data collected from the iPhone and other devices.
The public beta version of iPadOS 17 is now available for download, offering several improvements to the iPad experience. The multitasking system, Stage Manager, allows for more fluid app arrangement and better utilization of screen space. The lock screen has been upgraded with better displays and more interactive widgets. The Health app has finally made its way to the iPad, although it does not support pairing with the Apple Watch. Other features include improved PDF support, the addition of Stickers, and a voice replication feature for assistive purposes. Overall, while not revolutionary, iPadOS 17 enhances the iPad experience and brings it closer to a seamless integration within Apple's ecosystem.
iPadOS 17 introduces new features specifically designed for the iPad, including Lock Screen customization, interactive widgets, an optimized Health app, enhanced PDF and Notes capabilities, and updates to Stage Manager for improved multitasking. These additions enhance the user experience and take advantage of the iPad's larger display.
iOS 17 introduces follow-up reminders for scheduled medications in the Health app, which sends notifications if a medication has not been logged 30 minutes after the initial notification. Users can also opt for critical alerts that appear on the Lock Screen and play a sound, even if the iPhone is muted or in Focus mode. The update is currently available in beta for developers and will be released to the public later this year for iPhone XS and newer models.
Apple has unveiled iPadOS 17 with interactive widgets, customizable lock screen, and a redesigned Health app. The update also includes PDF support in the Notes app with live collaboration, improvements to Stage Manager, and the ability to use an external camera for video calls. The update will be available for consumers in the fall, with a developer beta available now and a public beta in July.
Apple has introduced new mental health and vision health features in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10, along with the Health app on iPad. The mental health features allow users to log their emotions and moods, access assessments and resources, and see valuable insights. The vision health features encourage healthy behaviors to reduce the risk of myopia. All features are grounded in science and built with privacy at the core.
Apple unveiled its next iPad software, iPadOS 17, at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which will bring interactive widgets, lock screen customization options, and lock screen live activities similar to those on iPhones. The Health app will also be available on iPads, and the Notes app will receive an upgrade, allowing users to autofill PDFs and collaborate on PDFs in real time. The AR/VR headset, Vision Pro, was also revealed, along with iOS 17 and a new 15-inch MacBook Air.
