Apple Watch

Apple has launched Digital ID, a new Apple Wallet-store identity document for US users that is accepted at airports and other locations.

Digital ID is created from information from a US passport, and it can be used as a travel document as well as a way of proving age. Although the company is making much of the system, it concedes that there are numerous limitations.

After years of requests, WhatsApp is finally, fully available on Apple Watch. The app gives users access to many of the core messaging functions found on the phone version, including reading and responding to chats, recording and sending voice messages, and viewing photos and stickers.

The new app will allow users to check messages, respond with quick replies, and listen to or send voice notes directly through the watch. If you rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends, family or work, you can now use it while on a run, during a commute, or in situations where using a phone isn’t possible.

Apple has expanded its smartwatch lineup with the launch of Apple Watch Ultra 3, introduced today alongside Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3. Billed as (can you guess?) the company’s most advanced watch yet, Ultra 3 offers satellite connectivity, a larger and brighter display, expanded health features, and longer battery life.

The new model is, as always, sold as a versatile companion for sports, adventure, and daily use. It features built-in satellite communications for texting emergency services, messaging contacts, and sharing location when outside cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

As well as Apple Watch Series 11, Apple today announced Apple Watch SE 3, the newest version of its entry-level smartwatch, available for pre-order today and launching September 19.

The device adds an Always-On display, wrist temperature sensing, retrospective ovulation estimates, and sleep apnea notifications, alongside faster charging and 5G cellular support.

To the surprise of no one, and alongside its latest generation of iPhones, Apple today announced the Apple Watch Series 11. The new model of its hugely popular smartwatch range adds hypertension notifications, sleep score, 5G connectivity, and up to 24 hours of battery life. Apple also made much of the more scratch-resistant display, claiming the Ion-X glass on aluminum models is twice as resistant as before.

The design remains thin and familiar, but the company says the glass is bonded with a ceramic coating at an atomic level to improve durability.

Some Apple Watch users are about to receive a software update which will provide them with a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature.

The update affects owners of Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US who do not yet have the Blood Oxygen feature. Access to the health tool comes after a US Customs ruling.

Apple has launched a new tier of its device protection, support and insurance scheme called AppleCare One. This new level of subscription is aimed at those who have fully bought into the Apple ecosystem, as it makes it possible to cover up to three devices with a single plan.

As well as simplifying the process of getting service and support for Apple devices, AppleCare One addresses one of the key complaints levelled against the program – price. Any three devices are covered by a single $20 plan, which could represent a big saving for some people.

Apple is expanding its accessibility efforts in a very big way. You see, the company just announced a collection of new accessibility features coming later this year, and they’re designed to improve the experience for handicapped users across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro.

One of the most interesting changes is the launch of Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store. These new labels will give users key details about an app’s accessibility features before downloading. That includes VoiceOver support, color contrast, captions, and more.

June is Pride Month, and ahead of this Apple has launched its Pride 2025 Collection. There are free components to the collection, in addition to some to purchase, making it accessible to everyone.

The company says it proud to financially support organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities and is using the collection as a way to "celebrate the strength and beauty" of such communities around the world. Among the goodies on offer is the hand-assembled Pride Edition Sport Band for Apple Watch, but iPhone and iPad users have not been forgotten.

Apple Fitness+ has expanded its offerings for 2025 with new fitness and mindfulness programs, including strength training, yoga workshops, pickleball conditioning, and breath meditation. The service also features a collaboration with Strava, enhancing how users can share and track their workouts.

Among the updates is the “Three Perfect Weeks of Strength” program, which provides a structured approach to building and maintaining muscle. The program includes progressive overload, time under tension, and dynamic power exercises over three weeks. A new pickleball program led by professional player Catherine Parenteau focuses on strength, endurance, and agility, catering to the growing popularity of the sport.

Apple today previewed watchOS 11, unveiling features for Apple Watch that leverage advanced sensor technology, algorithms, and a science-based approach to offer new health and fitness insights along with more personalization. The new Vitals app surfaces key health metrics to help users make informed decisions. The ability to measure training load offers a new experience for improved fitness.

Activity rings are now more customizable, and the Smart Stack and Photos face use intelligence for greater individualization. The Health app on iPhone and iPad offers additional support for pregnant users. New connectivity features include Check In, the Translate app, and double tap gesture capabilities.

DexCom has announced that its Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System now connects directly to Apple Watch in the United States. The Dexcom G7 is the first and only CGM system offering real-time glucose readings on the Apple Watch, providing users with freedom and convenience even when their iPhone isn’t with them.

Jake Leach, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Dexcom, stated, “At Dexcom, our users are at the heart of everything we do. Direct to Apple Watch has been one of our most requested features, and we’re thrilled to roll it out to Dexcom G7 users in the U.S. and around the world. We’ve long believed that people with diabetes should be able to view their CGM data where and how they choose. Direct to Apple Watch is a testament to that, allowing people with diabetes flexibility and choice in how they manage their health.”

Apple is set to inaugurate its latest store, Apple Hongdae, in Seoul this Saturday, January 20, marking a significant milestone as the 100th Apple Store in the Asia-Pacific region. The store, staffed with nearly 100 experts, offers an extensive range of products including the latest iPhone 15 lineup, new Macs with M3 chips, the Apple Watch series, and the Lunar New Year special-edition AirPods Pro.

Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, explains, “Combining the latest in Apple technology with the creative passion of the local community, this new store will build on the extraordinary connection we have with our customers in Korea. Our team members are excited to welcome in customers and help them discover the latest in our products and services, including the iPhone 15 lineup.”

Today, Belkin launches the BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, a groundbreaking power bank that caters to the needs of Apple enthusiasts on the move. This first-of-its-kind charger offers simultaneous fast charging capabilities for newer Apple Watch models and iPhones, providing a seamless and convenient charging experience anytime, anywhere.

With meticulous engineering, this power bank effortlessly accommodates most Apple Watch band sizes and styles, ensuring a perfect fit for users across the board. It's clear that Belkin has left no stone unturned in their pursuit of creating an exceptional charging solution for Apple devotees.

Alongside an update to the Apple Watch, which introduced crash detection, which can tell when you've been in a bad car crash, and advanced cycle tracking, Apple today announced a brand new model of its popular smartwatch -- Apple Watch Ultra.

This model is designed for "endurance, exploration, and adventure" and comes with a 49mm titanium case and flat sapphire front crystal over the brightest Apple Watch display yet -- up to 2000 nits, which is 2x brighter than the standard Apple Watch display.