Apple announces watchOS 3 at WWDC - promises that it's seven times faster

Apple held its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) today. As usual, the firm talked about what"s next for its platforms, starting off with watchOS 3, which includes quite a bit.

Perhaps the most important feature is that Apple is promising speed. Apps will now run in the background, allowing them to load seven times faster. Any Apple Watch owner knows that speed is a significant problem, so this could be a blessing.

Another big change is the addition of a Control Center, which is something that was added to iOS a few years ago. Apple promises similar functionality.

The firm also promises easier responses in Messages. The button to reply is gone, replaced with a number of choices. Swiping up will allow you to access quick replies.

There"s also a new feature called Scribble. This will allow you to write messages with your finger. Interestingly, it works with both English and Chinese.

There are smaller features, such as new watch faces (Minnie Mouse, Numerals), and making it easier to switch between them.

Fitness capabilities were focused on wheelchair users. They will have a new setting, which will change "Time to Stand" to "Time to Roll", and two new exercises will be added.

You"ll find a new SOS feature that will help you call 9-1-1, but if you"re in a region where another number applies, your Watch will know. There"s also a new Breathe app, which will help you to perform yoga-style breathing exercises.

This is just the start. We"ll likely find more when the developer beta is released later today.