Apple released watchOS 7.4 developer preview Beta3

Two weeks after the release of watchOS 7.4 developer preview Beta2, Apple pushed the watchOS 7.4 developer preview Beta3. WatchOS 7.4 introduced the ‘Time to Walk’ function that enhanced the usability of the ECG and added the ability to unlock the iPhone through the Apple Watch while the user is wearing a mask.

To install the watchOS 7.4 beta, developers need to download the appropriate configuration file from the Apple Developer Center. You can download the watchOS 7.4 beta version through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General>Software Update.

To update to watchOS 7.4 Developer Preview Beta3, the user’s Apple Watch requires to be 50% charged and must be placed on the charger and keep the Apple Watch within the connection range of the iPhone.

Among the new features added in watchOS 7.4, the most noticeable is the ‘Unlock with Apple Watch’ function. When the user wears a mask, the iPhone using Face ID can use the unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch serves as an auxiliary authentication, thus eliminating the troublesome password unlocking.

However, this function requires that the user’s mobile phone must be an Apple mobile phone equipped with iOS 14.5. Users can enable this feature under Face ID & Passcode in ‘Settings’. When the Apple Watch unlocks the iPhone, the user will feel the vibration on the wrist and will receive a notification on the watch, similar to using the watch to unlock the Mac.

This new feature is limited to unlocking the user’s iPhone. Apple Watch cannot be used to verify Apple Pay or App Store purchases, nor can it be used to unlock apps that require Face ID scanning. In these cases, the user requires to take off the mask and use Face ID or use a password/password instead.

For users using Apple Fitness +, watchOS 7.4 combined with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 can realize Apple Fitness + AirPlay 2 transmission, so that the content of fitness training can be streamed to the TV or set-top box that supports AirPlay 2.

However, the user-health data of the Apple Watch will not be displayed on the screen, and this function is limited to iPhone/iPad/Apple TV.  Apple has stated that watchOS 7.4 will be launched in early spring, so it is supposed that there are still a few weeks left for developers to test.

(Via)