Just in time for the April 24th launch of the Apple Watch in stores worldwide, Apple has revealed that it is rolling out iOS 8.2, the latest updated version of the iOS mobile operating system. Included in the update is a new Apple Watch app, which will basically serve as the main tool in which owners of Apple's first ever wearable device can download apps and adjust various settings, like preferences for alerts and notifications.
Apple certainly believes that the Apple Watch app is essential to operation of the device, it seems. After all, it is releasing the app as a core application of the iOS system, which means it can not be deleted. Now, this may rankle those types of users who want to have absolute control over what apps go into their devices. But the Apple Watch app is here to stay, and users might as well take advantage of it.
Once users update their iPhones with iOS 8.2, the Apple Watch app will automatically be displayed on the homescreen. As mentioned earlier, it can not be deleted, but users have the option of hiding it in a folder.
On the main screen of the app, users can already start pairing their iPhones with their Apple Watch by just tapping a button. There is a Learn More link that will take users directly to Apple's website which provides more in-depth information about the Apple Watch.
Another section in the Apple Watch app is called Explore. As its name suggests, the Explore section allows users to be introduced to the Apple Watch's many features and capabilities by way of videos.
The third section of the Apple Watch app contains the Apple Watch App Store. This is essentially just a particular section of the iTunes App Store that is dedicated to various apps that can be used with the Apple Watch. For now, this section does not display any items. But not for long though -- pre-orders for the Apple Watch start on April 10th, and it is going to hit stores on April 24th. So by that time, the Apple Watch App Store should be populated with dozens of apps then.
If you are interested about which apps exactly are worth your while, lots of websites have already compiled lists of the coolest and most anticipated apps for the Apple Watch. Apart from the apps already announced by Apple, you can also explore other options in websites like AppWatchList or WatchAware.
Because iOS 8.2 was launched as more of a vehicle for the Apple Watch app, there are no other notable updates, save for a few bug fixes and very minor improvements. Perhaps the only thing worth noting are the enhancements on the Health app, which now comes with an incognito mode for pausing the app. Of course, the roll out of iOS 8.2 also provides better support for fitness and tracking apps made by third-party developers.
