watchOS 3 is an operating system that was designed, developed by Apple in 2016, and was preinstalled on the new Apple Watches and as an update through the iPhone for the previous series. The system has been released on September 13, 2016, and gets the last update (3.2.3) on July 19, 2017, and later has been replaced by a newer version of watchOS 4.
watchOS 3 provided fast access to a summarized view of the most popular native or third-party applications used on the Apple Watch. The Glances view was opened with a swipe-up gesture from the watch face screen. With watchOS 3, Glances was replaced by a redesigned Control Center – much like the one in iOS.
The friend’s menu, invoked with the side button, now acts as a dedicated dock for apps. Users will be able to keep apps running in memory as well as receive background updates and refreshed information. Other updates are a new Dock invoked with the side button to replace the performance-laden Glances, an updated Control Center, and new reply options on Messages.
Several new watch faces have also been added, including Minnie Mouse, along with the ability to switch watch faces from the lock screen simply by swiping. A new feature called SOS allows users to hold the dock button to make a call to the local emergency line and pull up a medical ID.
Another feature is the Activity Share, which allows the sharing of workouts with friends and even sending their heartbeats to one another. A new app called Breathe guides users through breathing exercises throughout the day, with visuals and haptic feedback.
Today watchOS 3 is 6 years old!
watchOS 3 General Information
| Released | September 13, 2016 |
| Original Price | Free |
| System Requirements | Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 1 Apple Watch Series 2 iPhone 5 or later |
| Distribution | Trough paired iPhone |
Versions
| Versions | Build | Release Date |
| watchOS 3.0 | 14S326 | September 13, 2016 |
| watchOS 3.1 | 14S471 | October 24, 2016 |
| watchOS 3.1.3 | 14S960 | January 23, 2017 |
| watchOS 3.2 | 14V249 | March 27, 2017 |
| watchOS 3.2.2 | 14V485 | May 15, 2017 |
| watchOS 3.2.3 | 14V753 | July 19, 2017 |
