Apple Watch is about to no longer be tied to a single iPhone?

So far, we've gotten used to the Apple Watch relying on the iPhone companion for a variety of tasks. This includes setting up the smartwatch, managing apps, and saving backups. Currently, Apple Watch backup data is included in the backup of the iPhone device it's paired with, when uploaded to iCloud or backed up locally on a Mac/PC. However, things will become much more convenient if the Apple Watch will no longer be tied to a single iPhone, as well as being able to sync data across many different Apple devices.

With that said, there are currently no details on how the aforementioned function will work, as well as when it will be widely deployed by Apple to users. However, according to a recent report, watchOS 10 is expected to be the biggest software update for this operating system platform since 2015. Another report from Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) says that Apple is working on it. Work on an iPad-specific Health app as part of iPadOS 17. The iPhone maker is also expected to release a fully AI-powered health tracking service.

In a recent tweet, analyst941 also revealed that Apple is working on a "special version of iPadOS 17", developed specifically for iPads with large screens. A rumored 14.1-inch iPad with support for two 6K Thunderbolt displays is expected in 2024.

If such an iPad were to emerge, it would exceed the size of the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro as well as the MacBook Air M2 at 13.6 inches diagonally. Meanwhile, iPadOS 17 is also expected to add more lock screen customization features that have formed part of the iOS 16 experience. If nothing changes, Apple will introduce iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 at WWDC 2023 is scheduled to take place from June 5 to 9.

Lesley Montoya

Update 03 May 2023