8 great reasons to install watchOS 3 today

by Jonny Evans · Published September 14, 2016 · Updated September 14, 2016

Will an Apple Watch compete with Swatch?

Yes, you need to update your iPhone to iOS 10.x first and yes, updating to watchOS 3 on Apple Watch takes time, but it’s well worth the effort – app performance is significantly improved once installed. Here are some of the things you can do now you’ve upgraded your Apple Watch:

Scribble

Responding to a message? Give Scribble a try. That’s the new Apple Watch feature that lets you write a response to any message in any compatible app (including Messenger) on your watch using your finger. Just tap the Scribble button and write, you don’t even need to wait for each letter to be recognized as the system figures it out as you go. This is going to be incredibly useful.

Dock

Apple Watch now has an Application Dock that you access by pressing the side button. This replaces the infrequently used Friends view. The watch will automatically populate this section with up to ten of your most used apps. These apps are also updated constantly so they are always ready to run without lag when you need them.

To use the Dock:

Long-press on an app in the dock to rearrange its order
Swipe up and choose remove to dump an app from the dock
You can also use the (much-improved) Apple Watch app on your iPhone to edit these apps.

Watch faces

You get much more control over Apple Watch watch faces, but you’ll need to use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone for best results. Open the My Faces section and you can create new ones and explore additional faces Apple makes available in the Face Gallery. You will find more Complications (elements you can add to your watch face) than before. You can switch watch faces by swiping left or right across the Apple Watch screen.

Camera

You can use the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to zoom in and out when using the camera on your iPhone. Great with a tripod.

SOS

Open the SOS section in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to set up up to three contacts to alert in an emergency. They will receive a text message letting them know your current location if you invoke SOS on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button. The mode also alerts emergency services. This will save people’s lives.

Breathe

You really should give Apple’s Breath app a try. The app helps you focus and control your breathing, which can (I’m told) help mitigate feelings of stress and help you relax more. You can check your general health status using the new Heart Rate app.

Activity

The Activity system has been improved, including addition of a wheelchair mode. The workout app also remembers previous workouts, while Activity lets you share your readings and send messages to friends to help keep you motivated.