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Apple Watch could someday monitor stress levels, prevent panic attacks

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grid
One of the improvements coming to future Apple Watches could be warning the wearer of upcoming panic attacks.
Photo: Matt Birchler

Your Apple Watch could eventually keep an eye on more than your physical health. A future watchOS wearable will reportedly monitor the user’s stress level. This could go all the way to warning the wearer ahead of time that they could be close to a panic attack.

Last chance! Save when you snag 2 beautiful Nyloon bands

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Show your pride and joie de vivre with Nyloon's rainbow band.
Cool and colorful canvas bands.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Some of the discounts in the Cult of Mac Store’s big Easter sale are coming to an end. Don’t miss your chance to bag two Apple Watch bands from Nyloon and save $15.

They’re available in a host of dazzling designs and made from ballistic-grade nylon that’s super-sturdy and incredibly comfortable all day long.

This sale ends later today so take advantage of it before it’s gone!

Apple squashes FaceTime audio bug with watchOS 6.2.1

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FaceTime audio is coming to Apple Watch.
You FaceTime call to friends with old devices should go through now.
Photo: Apple

Apple launched a much-needed update to watchOS Wednesday, eliminating bugs and enhancing performance for the FaceTime feature on Apple Watch.

Apple Watch users running watchOS 6.2 were unable to participate in FaceTime audio calls with iPhones running iOS 9.3.6 or Macs running El Capitan 10.11.6 and earlier.

iPhone’s popularity among Gen Z hits all-time high

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In December, Apple will offer free coding classes to teach kids and teens.
Teens tap Apple Watch and iPhone as top favorites.
Photo: Apple

The COVID-19 pandemic has done nothing to damage iPhone’s popularity among teens. A survey of 5,200 ‘Gen Z’ teens shows 85% own an iPhone and 88% expect an iPhone to be their next phone, both new all-time survey highs.

The Piper Sandler survey found those numbers up 3% from a year ago. Apple Watch also nabbed the top spot for wearables in the firm’s study that was conducted from February 17 to March 27 as many of the teenagers questioned were living in quarantine.

Germany launches smartwatch app for tracking COVID-19 pandemic

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Germany smartwatch app 1
The app could help monitor spread of COVID-19.
Photo: Robert Koch Institute

Germany is launching a smartwatch app to help monitor the spread of the coronavirus.

The app, created by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), is called Corona Datenspende, which translates as the Corona Data Donation. It allows users with devices like Apple Watch or fitness trackers such as Fitbit to share data about coronavirus symptoms to track the spread of the pandemic in Germany.

Researchers turn to iPhone-connected wearable to study COVID-19 symptoms

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whoop
Whoop's simple band provides deep insights into your health.
Photo: Whoop

Whoop is the latest wearable being enlisted to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical researchers hope the fitness band company’s data could prove an invaluable tool for measuring symptoms caused by the coronavirus.

The Cleveland Clinic and Central Queensland University in Australia are partnering with Whoop to study changes in respiration rates. Whoop’s wearable collects health data 24/7. It could possibly be used to create an early warning system for people infected by COVID-19 but not exhibiting symptoms yet.

10 things you didn’t know about Apple Watch [Cult of Mac Magazine 343]

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Apple Watch trivia: So you think you know Apple Watch, do you?
So you think you know Apple Watch, do you?
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Take your mind off the coronavirus pandemic with our latest installment of Apple trivia. This time we focus on Cupertino’s kick-ass wearable. Yes, it’s 10 things you probably didn’t know about Apple Watch. For more diversions, read our latest reviews of Apple TV+ shows: The Amazing Stories season finale and promising new mystery Home Before Dark.

If you must dwell on COVID-19, how about a timely how-to? Learn how to make your own DIY mask (thanks to clever instructions from a legendary Apple coder). Get the low-down on that project as well as more Apple news, how-tos and reviews in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine.

Download it from the iOS App Store now. Or get the week’s top stories below.

Save on 2020 Mac mini, MacBook Pro, Sims 4 and more [Deals & Steals]

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DS-Mar-31-20
And save $140 on Beats Solo3 wireless headphones.
Photos: Apple, EA

Need a new MacBook Pro? You won’t want to miss Woot’s brilliant deal on 13-inch models, refurbished by Apple, which are now available for as little as $679.99. Or pick up the brand-new 2020 Mac mini from $699 — $100 off its usual price tag.

That’s just some of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup that will help you tackle self-isolation and working from home during the COVID-19 crisis. Other highlights include:

Find all these discounts and more in today’s Deals & Steals roundup.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

watchOS 7 may add kid-friendly Activity rings to Apple Watch

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Apple Watch Activity
Kids will be able to fill their rings to unlock rewards.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple is planning to make some big changes to the Activity Rings on Apple Watch so that it’s more kid-friendly.

Leaked code from iOS 14 reveals that Apple plans to tweak how the move ring works when Apple Watch is in Kid Mode, allowing parents to set goals from their own iPhones. Instead of tracking calories burned though, the feature will focus on just movement.

10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Apple Watch

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Apple Watch trivia: You can't make this stuff up.
It's time for some trivia.
Photo: Malvern Graphics/Cult of Mac

#10things bug In just a few short years, Apple Watch transformed the smartwatch from pricey novelty to potential lifesaver. But how much do you know about Apple’s breakthrough smartwatch? Is it time (pun intended) to pick up some new Apple Watch trivia? You’ve come to the right place.

Here are 10 things you (probably) don’t know about the Apple Watch.

Last chance! Sweet sport band for Apple Watch hits an insane new low

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Elkson-Apple-Watch-Sport
Bag this brilliant Apple Watch band for under $11!
Photo: Elkson

Elkson’s silicone sport band for Apple Watch is a terrific alternative to Apple’s — and ideal for all the home workouts you’ll be doing during the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s attractive, comfortable, and brilliantly rugged.

It’s also a steal at its usual price of $14.99, but until March 31, you can get yours for even less. Order from the Cult of Mac Store today to pay just $10.99.

Apple Watch needs a Sick Mode [Opinion]

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Apple Watch Sick Mode
The next time you get ill, your Apple Watch should help you get better.
Photo: Cult of Mac

When you‘ve caught a bad cold, the flu or a global pandemic, it’s no help that your Apple Watch keeps urging you to go for a run. That’s why this wearable needs a sick mode.

When it comes out this autumn, watchOS 7 should include a mode that gives good advice for people ill enough to need bed rest rather than a trip to the gym.

This Apple Watch bumper case solves a very specific problem [Review]

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The Elkson Apple Watch bumper case solved a problem that drove me crazy, and it looks good too!
Elkson's Apple Watch Case solves a problem that drove me crazy, and it looks good too!
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

For the longest time, I had a particular problem with my Apple Watch. When I rode my bicycle, the watch’s Digital Crown would rub against my wrist, playing havoc with the sound coming through my AirPods. Suddenly it would get very loud, or very low. It drove me crazy.

I tried everything I could think of, including wearing my watch backward so the Digital Crown was reversed, or on the inside of my wrist. Nothing worked, so I disabled Now Playing on my Watch, which I missed because it’s great for controlling music when doing something like riding a bike.

Then I came across Elkson’s Quattro Series Bumper Case for Apple Watch. This inexpensive cover surrounds the Digital Crown and prevents it from spinning when I ride my bike. Problem solved.

Customize your Apple Watch workouts for effective home exercise

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Can't go to the gym? Customize your Apple Watch to fit your home workouts.
Can't go to the gym? Customize your Apple Watch to fit your home workouts.
Photo: Meghan Holmes/Unsplash CC

If you’re stuck at home due to COVID-19 self-isolation, you’re probably not getting enough exercise these days. Still, you should try to keep yourself in shape, for both your mental and your physical wellbeing. The Apple Watch can definitely help, and you can customize the data it displays during workouts so you only see what you need.

Maybe you don’t need to know the current pace for your indoor walk, or you don’t care to be distracted by your calorie burn during a yoga session. Let’s see how to customize Apple Watch workouts to fit your personal needs.

Apple Watch might get Touch ID for easier unlocking

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Apple-Watch-Touch-ID
Is Touch ID really necessary?
Mockup: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is working to bring Touch ID to Apple Watch for the first time, according to new reports out Friday. The company is said to be exploring two methods of integrating the technology into its wearable for easier unlocking.

The new model may prove particularly interesting to Apple Watch Series 2 owners, who are expected to miss out on Apple’s upcoming watchOS 7 update this fall.

Apple Watch concept imagines handy voice messaging feature

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Apple-Watch-voice-concept
A quick alternative to lengthy phone calls.
Photo: Patryk Gajdarski

This sweet Apple Watch concept imagines a brand-new voice messaging feature that would allow watchOS users to send each other voice messages.

Apple Watch already allows users to make calls and send texts, but voice messaging is not yet part of its default featureset.

How to do an effective home workout with no gym equipment

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Stay healthy and strong with these essential home workout tips. You can do these home workouts without any gym equipment.
Stay healthy and stay strong with our essential home workout tips.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, staying home is a great choice for everyone’s health right now. But it’s not ideal for your fitness. Your Apple Watch will soon start grumbling if you just sit around indoors and don’t close your rings. So what should you do?

watchOS 6.2 arrives with in-app purchases and ECG support for 3 new countries

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Apple Watch likely will gain new health-related features.
Apple Watch ECG functionality just got unlocked for more people.
Photo: Apple

Apple pushed out a big software update to Apple Watch wearers today that expands ECG functionality on the Series 4 and Series 5 to users in Chile, Turkey and New Zealand.

watchOS 6.2 was released to the public today alongside iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4 and macOS Catalina 10.15.4. The new watchOS update also adds a couple of new features, including the ability to make in-app purchases for Apple Watch apps.

Apple could be working with BMW on CarKey feature for iOS 14

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BMW-Digital-Key
BMW could be first to support the feature this fall.
Photo: BMW

Apple is working with German car manufacturer BMW to develop a brand-new CarKey feature for iOS 14, according to a new report out Tuesday. It seems BMW could be first to support the feature this fall.

CarKey is expected to make it possible to unlock and even start compatible vehicles using only your iPhone or Apple Watch. It could also allow for key sharing between family and friends.

U.S. removes tariffs on Apple Watch imported from China

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Man’s brand new Apple Watch turns out to be toilet plunger
Apple no longer has to pay tariffs to bring the Apple Watch in from China.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The U.S. Trade Representative exempted the Apple Watch from the tariffs Apple had been paying to import this product from China, where it’s assembled.

The company continues to pay import taxes on AirPods, iMac and other products.

iOS 14 leaks hint at new notification triggers, AR mode for Find My

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Find My Friends
Find My could be better than ever in iOS 14.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Fresh iOS 14 leaks that surfaced on Monday reveal Apple’s plans to bring new notification triggers and an augmented reality mode to the Find My app.

The improvements could give users the ability to get an alert when a contact doesn’t arrive at a specific location by a certain time. They could also make it easier to track down lost Macs and iOS devices.

Stay in shape while you’re stuck indoors with Apple TV fitness apps

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Can't get to the gym? Let your Apple TV bring the gym to you.
Can't get to the gym? Let your Apple TV bring the gym to you.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

You don’t need to go to the gym for a great workout. If you’re stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak, you can still work on your summer beach bod. If you’re itching to exercise indoors, you can get started — and maximize your gains — using Apple TV fitness apps.

Ever since Jane Fonda pulled on a leotard and leg warmers in the 1980s, people have been getting sweaty in front of their televisions. Now, Apple TV fitness apps bring home workouts bang up-to-date, with interactive programs tailored to users’ individual abilities and goals.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s make like Jane and feel the burn.

How to fix Apple Watch duplicate workouts

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Seeing double? Fixing duplicate Activity app workouts is easier than you think.
Seeing double? Fixing duplicate workouts is easier than you think.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

The Health app on your iPhone acts as a central repository for all your workout data. Not just activity from your Apple Watch, but from third-party apps, too.

That’s great, because it gives you the freedom to use any workout app you want, safe in the knowledge that it will still contribute to your Activity rings. But this flexibility can cause problems. When you use multiple apps or third-party devices, it can cause duplicate workouts. So let’s take a look at how Apple handles these duplicates, what impact they have on your Activity Rings, and how you can fix the problem.