Apple WWDC: WatchOS 7 unveiled with long awaited sleep tracking feature

Apple has announced a sleep-tracking feature for its watch that will change the way you go to bed every night.

Apple has announced a sleep-tracking feature for its trademark watch that helps users to make recommendations about waking up and when to go to sleep.

The upgrade, which is expected to arrive in full around September, was one of the key features mentioned in Apple CEO Tim Cook’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this morning.

When the user wakes up, they can see a visualisation of their previous night’s sleep and a chart of their weekly sleep trend.

The feature uses machine learning to sense motion, and detect micro-motions to determine the quality of the user’s sleep.

Sleep data can be encrypted on the device or in iCloud with iCloud sync.

At the same time, a new “Wind Down” feature will minimise distractions from a certain time and create a personalised evening routine.

The iPhone can be set to display a Wind Down screen before users go to bed, which turns on Do Not Disturb, and can suggest medication or quiet music to listen to.

The Apple Watch has notably lacked a sleep-tracking feature compared to rival devices, like Fitbit, which has been offering it for years.

The new software will only be available for the Apple’s Watch Series 3, 4 and 5.

Apple Watch will now also support an automatic handwashing detection for watchOS 7, which will only be available on Series 4 and 5.

WatchOS 7 will also bring the ability to share custom watch faces and new types of workouts, including core training and dancing.

The public beta version will be available from July, and the full version is expected to debut around September.

Aside from the Apple Watch, Apple made numerous other software announcements during the conference.

Among the bigger announcements is a new processor that the company says will replace Intel chips in MacBooks, iMacs, and Macbook Pros going forward.

“It’s a game changer,” CEO Tim Cook said. “It truly is a historic day for the Mac.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook. Picture: Brooks Kraft/Apple Inc. via AP

Here are the upgraded features you can expect to see on other Apple devices:

• iOS 14 : The iPhone will get a series of new features including picture-in-picture mode, widgets, a redesigned home screen and a new Translate app.

• Apple Silicone : This new Apple chip will make app architecture more consistent across Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Macs with Apple Silicon will be able to run iPad and iPhone apps directly on their computer.

• AirPod update : With iOS 14, AirPod users will be able to seamlessly switch between Apple devices with a new automatic device switching feature.

• iPadOS 14 : The iPad is getting a major software update, with new features and designs that take advantage of the larger surface area. iPadOS 14 will include a new compact design for incoming FaceTime and phone calls and Siri interactions.

• Scribble : The iPad will get a new Scribble app that allows users to write in any text field using the Apple Pencil, which will then be converted to typed text.