WWDC 2015: Apple unveils watchOS 2 for the Apple Watch

Apple has just unveiled a brand new OS for the Apple Watch. Just six weeks after the launch of the Apple Watch itself, watchOS 2 packs in tweaks and performance enhancements in every area of the operating system. 

Timepiece 

Apple's new OS gives users even more choice when choosing a watch face. Apple Watch owners can now choose between a static photo, a cycling photo album or even a timelapsed, location based image. 

In an important move, Apple has now opened up the Complications of watchOS 2, so developers can now place their own, dedicated widgets directly onto the Apple Watch's face. During Apple's WWDC event, an Apple Watch was shown running a Complication from Volkswagen alongside airline and temperature widgets.

Apple has also introduced Time Travel to watchOS 2, and it's a whole new way to check your schedule. Rather than simply notifying users about current events, Time Travel allows users to foes-forward, and check events and weather in the future - all by using the Digital Crown button. 

watchOS 2 also changes how the Apple Watch acts when it's not on your wrist. A new Nightstand mode displays the time in a landscape format when the Apple Watch is on charge, and can even act as an alarm clock. 

Communication

watchOS 2 also adds improvements to the communication capability of the Apple Watch. Friends can now be sorted into groups, and Apple Watch owners can now use more than one colour in Digital Touch - the Apple Watch's doodling tool. Of course, Apple has also crammed in more productive features too. The new OS allows users to reply to emails directly from the Apple Watch, and FaceTime Audio calls can now be taken from the wearable too. 

Health and Fitness 

Apple Pay

Many of the improvements already announced to Apple Pay are about to be carried over to the Apple Watch. As well as contactless payments, the Apple Watch now features Wallet - Apple's rebranded app for everything contactless. That means users will be able to store loyalty cards and debit cards on the Apple Watch - and collect reward points simply using their wrist. 

Siri

Siri also benefits from new innovations shown across Apple's ecosystem. The digital assistant can now use Apple's improved Maps service, and control elements of Apple's new HomeKit API, allowing users to control compatible products in the home with their voice. Siri in watchOS 2 will also show specific Glances, with commands such as "Siri, show me the Instagram glance," taking users directly to the Instagram app. 

WatchKit

watchOS 2 also offers some significant changes for developers. Unlike current apps which use the iPhone for the "logic" or heavy-lifting of apps, Apple's new OS will allow developers to give the Apple Watch processing duties instead. These apps will work even when the Apple Watch isn't near an iPhone - provided it's connected to a known Wi-fi network.