Apple watchOS 4 release date, news and features

Apple’s wearable software is a big part of why the Apple Watch and Apple Watch 2 are still some of the best smartwatches on the planet and keeping pace with the best Android Wear watches out there.

There are improvements to be made and Apple has just confirmed watchOS 4 including a few new features for your watch.

Even if we don’t see the Apple Watch 3 announced at WWDC 2017, watchOS 4 could be a seriously big deal for Apple wearable fans. Here's everything we've heard so far about watchOS 4.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The next software upgrade for the Apple Watch
When is it out? It has just been announced - it will come out later this year
What will it cost? It'll be free for existing Apple Watch devices

WatchOS 4 release date

Apple has just confirmed watchOS 4 at WWDC 2017, and the developer preview is out now. The full release of watchOS 4 will come in the fall, which we expect to be alongside the release of iOS 11.

We expect to see the update roll out for free when it does launch, so you won't have to spend any money to get the latest in watchOS software on your existing device.

WatchOS 4 features

The first announcement from Apple is a new watch face with Siri built-in. You can tap in the top left to get more details directly from Siri including calendar notifications and a look at your reminders.

Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story are now joining the selection of Disney watch faces already available on Apple Watch. Previously you had the choice of either Minnie or Mickey mouse.

Apple is also bringing monthly challenges to the activity app while the Workouts app is getting some small upgrades to make it easier to use.

For example, if you rest at the end of the pool while swimming it will workout how many lengths you've been doing. There's also a new workout type for high-intensity interval training too.

You can also do multiple workouts at the same time and swipe to the side to be able to switch what exercises you're doing. It should make tracking triathlons much easier.

The Apple Music app is also going to automatically sync music too. It means you can get new music and favorites directly to your watch and gives you more options to listen to music while on the go.

The control center will also have a flashlight functionality too, that according to Apple will be able to flash to make it safer if you go running with your Apple Watch at night.

WatchOS 4 compatibility

It's thought the watchOS 4 update will come to both the Apple Watch and Apple Watch 2 devices as well as newer devices too. This hasn't been confirmed by Apple yet though.