watchOS 3

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on watchOS 3:

Apple drops first new beta updates of 2017

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iOS 10 is awesome — but is it enough?
A new iOS 10 beta is here.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The first big batch of beta updates of 2017 have finally arrived from Apple, bringing developers a slew of bug fixes and performance improvements on the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV.

Apple’s betas come nearly three weeks after the last batch of updates. The new software updates includes the third betas for iOS 10.2.1, macOS 10.12.3, tvOS 10.1.1 and watchOS 3.1.3.

How to force quit apps on watchOS 3

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apple watch workout app
Force quitting apps is different in watchOS 3.
Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch apps are faster than ever thanks to watchOS 3, but if you ever run into the rotating dial of death, sometimes quickly force quitting the app can help.

With watchOS 3, Apple has made the force quitting process a bit different. Wearers used to be able to double click the side button to force quit an app. Now the process also involves the Digital Crown.

Seven days with iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2, this week on The CultCast

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apple watch series 2
Trade-in that old Apple Watch for money off at the Apple Store.
Photo: Ste Smith/CultofMac

This week on The CultCast: After seven days with iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2, we’ll tell you what we love (and don’t) about Apple’s newest gadgets. Plus: Hissgate explained; how to auto-unlock your Mac with an Apple Watch; and, if you’re wondering how to use picture-in-picture mode on YouTube videos in macOS Sierra, we’ll reveal just how to make that happen.

This episode is supported TunnelBear, the simple privacy app that makes it easy to browse privately and enjoy a more open internet. Visit GetTunnelBear.com to get your free TunnelBear today.

Apple Watch Series 2 review roundup: One for the fitness fanatics

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Apple Watch
The reviews are out — and they're (largely) positive.
Photo: Apple

The first Apple Watch Series 2 reviews are out and, like the iPhone 7, they’re largely positive — while also noting that this isn’t an entirely essential device. If you held out on buying an Apple Watch last year, though, or you’re a certified fitness nut, this could be the wearable for you.

Check out our review roundup below.

Tim Cook to talk iPhone 7 tomorrow on Good Morning America

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"Yes, we got you by the balls."
Photo: Good Morning America

Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to reassure Americans that the death of the headphone is a good thing for everyone, during an appearance on Good Morning America tomorrow.

Cook’s exclusive interview with Robin Roberts at a school in Harlem promises to be “wide-ranging,” covering everything from the iPhone 7 that will launch on Friday, as well as how Apple’s new AirPods fit in your ear.

“I have never personally had one fall out since I’ve been using it,” Tim said, revealing he runs on a treadmill with them. “They’re absolutely magical.”

Watch Tim gush about AirPods in the first teaser:

How to use watchOS 3: Tips, tricks and hidden tweaks

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Breathe app in watchOS 3
The new Breathe app in watchOS 3 turns Apple Watch into a meditation machine.
Photo: Apple

Your Apple Watch Series 1 or Series 2 has arrived! Introduced at Apple’s keynote last week, the third version of the Apple Watch does a heck of a lot more than tell time and Cult of Mac has some tips to help you make the most of its myriad new features.

Mastering the various features is a bit of a learning curve on this highly advanced wearable operating system, but we’ve rounded up a cheat-sheet of tips and tricks to try out with the fitness, graphics, games and media features.

What’s your favorite new watchOS 3 feature?

watchOS 3 is ready for your wrist

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With watchOS 3, Apple is promising pretty new features -- and an end to that depressing lag.
Apple Watch feels all-new thanks to watchOS 3.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch owners just got a big update today in the form of watchOS 3 that completely changes the way you use Apple’s wearable.

The huge new update comes after months of beta testing by developers and public testers, adding new features like a Breathe app, the ability to unlock your Mac, a new Dock for apps, faster performance and more.

How to scribble text replies in watchOS 3

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watchOS 3 lets you scribble notes to friends.
watchOS 3 lets you scribble notes to friends.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Responding to text messages on Apple Watch gets a lot easier with watchOS 3, thanks to a new feature that lets you scribble letters instead of just using canned replies.

The new handwriting option has quickly become one of my favorite features on the big update that just landed on Apple Watch by giving wearers the ability to say whatever they want without depending on Siri.

Here’s how to reply with scribbles when you get a text:

How to find your moment of zen with Apple’s Breathe app

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Breathe app in watchOS 3
The new Breathe app in watchOS 3 turns Apple Watch into a meditation machine.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch wearers will soon find it easier to reach relaxation, thanks to the new Breathe app included in watchOS 3.

Every week, the Breathe app provides Apple Watch wearers with a summary of how well they performed the most essential human task for staying alive. If you suck at breathing, don’t worry. Breathe will turn you into a zen master in no time.

To start a breathing exercise follow these steps.

Liveblog: Apple unveils iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2

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Bill graham civic auditorium
The iPhone 7 is nearly here.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Welcome to iPhone Day 2016.

Months of rumors and leaked parts finally culminate today at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, where Apple CEO Tim Cook and his merry gang of techno wizards are expected to unveil some new iPhones and Apple Watch.

Cult of Mac is set to liveblog the festivities today. We’ll be mixing real-time details and analysis with all the dull wit and pithy snark we can muster for what is expected to be one of the “most boring iPhone updates” ever. The event starts at 10 a.m. Pacific, but we’ll be getting started well before that.

For a quick recap of what to expect from today’s keynote, check out our roundup of all the announcements Apple will make, including the possibility of some new AirPods.

Today’s event promises to be Apple’s biggest event of the year, so turn on the stream on your Apple TV and join us in the iPhone 7 event liveblog below.

Apple Watch Series 2 is faster, brighter, ‘swim-proof’ — and ceramic

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Apple Watch Series 2 Swimproof
Apple Watch Series 2 is built for swimming.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Series 2 has finally landed, and while it may look almost identical to its predecessor, it comes with some significant improvements that make it worth the upgrade.

Fans can look forward to a faster processor, Apple’s brightest display yet, greater water-resistance, and a built-in GPS. There’s also a stunning new ceramic model.

What to expect from Apple’s September 7th event

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The new iPhone is nearly here.
The new iPhone is nearly here.
Photo: Miroslav Majdak

Apple is set to take the stage at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in less than a day, but some of the biggest surprises of the iPhone 7 keynote have already been revealed.

While Apple usually comes out with a generational leap for the iPhone every two years, this year’s update is expected to have some of the most boring and controversial changes ever made. Get ready to get your dongle on, because the iPhone 7 is ready to rock.

Here’s what Apple will reveal:

How to customize and swap Apple Watch faces

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cult of mac
Switching to a new watch face is almost too easy.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple is making it a lot easier and faster to switch up the look of your Apple Watch thanks to some new features in watchOS 3.

Starting this fall, Apple is adding a bunch of new faces that can be customized like never before. All the faces can be added via the Watch app for iPhone, and there’s so many great options you’ll be swapping all the time.

Here’s how to do it:

How to add, delete and rearrange apps in the new Apple Watch dock

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apple watch
The new Dock is one of watchOS 3's best features.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is getting a UI makeover with watchOS 3 which completely changes how you interact with apps, making them faster and easier to access thanks to the all new Dock feature.

Now when wearers press the side button on Apple Watch, instead of bringing up your favorite contacts, the watch brings up the dock providing a quick view of your favorite apps that are now updated immediately, so you spend less time staring at the spinning wheel.

Here’s how to make the most of the new Apple Watch dock:

Apple seeds fifth betas of iOS 10, watchOS 3 and tvOS 10

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iOS-10-QuickType-keyboard
iOS 10 beta 5 has arrived.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Developers received a brand-new batch of betas from Apple this morning after the company released the fifth builds of iOS 10, watchOS 3 and tvOS 10, which bring a number of changes and performance improvements to Apple’s platforms.

The updates come just over a week after Apple dropped the fourth beta of iOS 10, which included more than 100 new emoji, new sounds for keyboard clicks, quicker animations and tons of other improvements. We can’t wait to see what improvements Apple has made this go-round.

macOS Sierra beta 4 is now available to developers

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macOS Sierra is here!
macOS Sierra is here!
Photo: Apple

Along with dropping three new beta builds for iOS 10, tvOS and watchOS this morning, Apple has seeded a fourth beta of macOS Sierra for developers to test.

The new beta is available for download directly from the Mac App Store if you have the previous build installed and comes just two weeks after Apple dropped macOS Sierra beta 3. The upcoming update for Macs brings a ton of new features, including Siri for Mac, auto-unlock with Apple Watch, Apple Pay, better iCloud integration and more.

How to share, compare, compete with watchOS 3’s Activity rings

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Get set to test yourself to the limit with your Apple Watch.
Get set to test yourself to the limit with your Apple Watch.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is getting a ton of new features this fall for fitness freaks, giving wearers the ability to not only track their own fitness better than ever, but also go head-to-head with other Apple Watch-loving friends.

With iOS 10 and watchOS 3, Apple Watch owners can share their Activity rings to view each other’s progress and compete to be fittest person in the clique. Here’s how to get started:

macOS Sierra beta 3 is now available to developers

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macOS Sierra is here!
macOS Sierra is here!
Photo: Apple

Following the launch of three new beta builds this morning, Apple has now made a new beta of macOS Sierra beta 3 available to developers this afternoon.

The new beta is available for download directly from the Mac App Store and comes two weeks after Apple dropped the second beta build of macOS Sierra that brings a ton of new features, including Siri for Mac, auto-unlock with Apple Watch, Apple Pay, better iCloud integration and more.

watchOS 3, macOS Sierra and tvOS 10 get second beta builds

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macOS Sierra is here!
A beautiful new beta is here.
Photo: Apple

Apple is serving up a fresh batch of beta updates for developers today with the release of new versions of tvOS 10, watchOS 3 and macOS Sierra.

The second beta builds of the new operating systems, which were unveiled by Apple at WWDC last month, are now available in Apple’s Developer Center (along with a new iOS 10 beta that brings minor changes to the big software update).

The best WWDC 2016 announcements plus iOS 10 hidden features on The CultCast

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You'll need to be a registered developer to get them today.
You'll need to be a registered developer to get them today.
Photo: Apple

This week on The CultCast: It’s our WWDC 2016 reactions! Plus: All the WWDC announcements worth getting excited about; the best hidden iOS features not mentioned onstage; more confirmation that a MacBook Pro with OLED touch bar is imminent; and a very strange iPhone 7 rumor surfaces.

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