Apple Watch gets watchOS 2 with support for native apps; new bands and cases

At a media event today, Apple announces an update to the Watch. The Cupertino-based company announces watchOS 2 with support for native apps, and on the hardware side, the new gold and rose gold aluminum Apple Watch Sport models. Available as a free upgrade, watchOS 2 will become available on September 16.

At the event, where the company also unveiled the iPhone 6s, the iPhone 6s Plus, the iPad mini 4, the iPad Pro, some much-anticipated features for the Apple Watch were announced. Among many new features, the company said that watchOS 2 is bringing support for native apps -- finally you can run an app on the Watch, instead of mirroring it to your timepiece, as well new watch faces. The company said that it would make apps faster and more fluid.

There are a couple of handy tiny improvements as well. watchOS 2, for instance, also comes with new communications features including the ability to respond quickly to Mail with dictation. There are also features like 'Smart Replies' even using emoji characters.

"Our customers love Apple Watch and tell us its incredible health and fitness features are having a huge impact on their lives," said Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of Operations. "We're excited to expand Apple Watch's functionality with watchOS 2 and offer even more personal choice with beautiful new styles and colors".

As mentioned, the company is also expanding the accessory collection of the Watch with new case colors, and fresh new bands. The Apple Watch Sport's aluminum case now comes in gold aluminum and rose gold aluminum variants, with bands available in lavender, antique white, stone and midnight blue options. The Apple Watch Sport silver aluminum is now available with new orange or blue Sport Bands, the company announced.

The stainless steel Apple Watch is now also available in two-toned Classic Buckle in black or saddle brown. The space black stainless steel case is available with a black Sport Band. The Apple Watch Edition now includes an 18-karat rose gold case with a midnight blue Classic Buckle.

Moving forward, Apple Watch bands for the entire Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch collections now also have four new Sport Band colors in fog, turquoise, vintage rose and walnut.