Apple announced watchOS 7 with several new features, including more watch faces, sleep monitoring, and more. However, there are a few changes the company did not mention during yesterday’s keynote, including the addition of Battery Health Management and Announce Messages with Siri to Apple Watch.
Just like on the iPhone, Apple Watch users can now check battery status data with watchOS 7. The maximum capacity of a battery is 100% when new, and this level decreases as the battery becomes exhausts. A lower level indicates that the Apple Watch battery will not last as long as when it was new.
This is how Apple describes the battery status data:
Apple Watch batteries, like all rechargeable batteries, are consumable components that become less effective as they age. This is a measure of the battery’s capacity relative to when it was new. Lower capacity can result in fewer hours of use between charges.
On iPhone, Apple slows performance when reducing maximum capacity to maintain battery life and avoid unexpected downtime, but we don’t know yet if watchOS 7 does the same with Apple Watch.
In addition to the new battery status data, watchOS 7 also brings optimized battery charging to the Apple Watch. With optimized battery charging enabled, Apple Watch learns its routine use to interrupt battery recharging when you don’t use it for an extended period. The same option is now available for AirPods with iOS 14.
With watchOS 7, users can now also use the “Advertise messages with Siri” feature on Apple Watch. With AirPods in your ears, you can listen to and reply to incoming text messages using voice commands. Siri reads the message so you can listen to the text and then ignore or reply without having to say “Hi Siri.”
watchOS 7 beta is now available to developers, with a public beta released in July.
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. Plus.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
