Apple Watch watchOS 2 announced with native apps


The Apple Watch just shipped a few weeks ago, but Apple is already planning to release the first major release this fall.

Interestingly watchOS 2 will support native apps rather than requiring them to be tethered to the iPhone. It would seem the current setup might have just been an intermediate path to native apps just get give developers a quick and easy way to get their apps functioning on the Apple Watch. Native apps should open the doors to improved performance and additional features.

With the new OS, developers will be able to integrate hardware features into their apps. For example, they can make use of the Digital Crown, Taptic Engine, and heart rate sensor.

Also, Apple will provide new watch faces and greater customization options. An obvious addition will be the ability for developers to hook app data into watch face complications. So, for example, where the Apple Watch displays current temperature, users could swap that out for data fed from an app.